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The Parting of the Ways 



A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS 

BY 

OSBORN RENNIE LAMB 




WHO HATH NOT, WITH FAITH'S STRONG BOW, SHOT FORTH AN 
ARROW WINGED WITH HOPE, AND THOUGH THE VENTURE 
MISSED THE MARK, YET FOLLOWED ON,— AND 
THEN STOOD DOUBTING-AT THE PARTIN(i OF THE WAYS. 



PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR 

356 W. 22d ST.. NEW YORK. 






COPYRIGHT 1910. 

By OSBORN RENNIE LAMB 

DRAMATIC RIGHTS AND 

RIGHT OF TRANSLATION 

RESERVED. 



CCI.D 2M\il') 



ri 



CHAKACTEES. 

MEN. 

John Rodman, President of "The Amalgamated Steel 
& Iron Co." 

Ralph Morton, Froprietor of the old banking firm of 
R. Morton & Sons. 

John Arnold, a director of "The Amalgamated Steel 
& Iron Co.'' 

Prof. Wilmer Stratton, a friend and advisor of Ralph 
Morton. 

Fred'k Thompson, M.D., a friend of Prof. Stratton and 
the Mortons. 

Reginald Rodman, son of Jolin Rodman, and not such 
a fool as he looks. 

George Wendham, Private Secretary and confident of 
John Rodman. 

Thomas Crane, Chief of the Secret Service of Rodman 
& Co. 

Richard Pitt, an agent of the Secret Service of Rod- 
man & Co. 

William Hunt, an old and faithful employee of Rod- 
man & Co. 

George Raymond, Attendant of the hanking firm of R. 
Morton & Sons. 

Bob, a Page in the office of John Rodman. 

Henry Benson, 

James Bryce, Executive staff of "The Standard 

John Hall, of the People." 

Fred'k Saunders, 

Andrew Dawson, Employees of "The Standard of 
Sam'l Scragg, the People." 

Operator, j-r •, 7 T.r. , ^, 

T, ' United Wireless Co. 

Postman, 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

David Chamberlain, 

T ITT ' Directors of "The Amalgamated 

John Watts, ov ? ^ t n '^ 

n -D oteel & Iron Co. 

Cyrus Brandt, 

Benjamin Hardman, 

WOMEN. 

Mrs. Richard Morton, Mother of Ralph Morton. 
Agnes Hampton, Ward of John Rodman. 
Marie, Mrs. Morton's faithful English maid. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS." 

Act. I. 

The Quarrel Between John Rodman and Ralph 
Morton. 

Act 11. 
The Ruin of Ralph Morton, and His Awakening. 

Act III. 
The Battle of the Proxies. Rodman's Defeat. 

Act IV. 
The Redemption of Rodman. 



ACT I. 

Scene. 

The splendid offices of John Kodman k Company, 
Wall Street, New York. The room shown is the 
main reception room, to ivhich everybody of im- 
portance is admitted. It is entered at Back Centre 
by two double glazed doors, upon which the name 
John Bodman & Co., Bankers, appears in gold let- 
ters. Beyond these double glazed doors are other 
glazed partitions, showing other offices. On right 
and left of reception room are offices separated by 
glazed partitions, which are entered by single glazed 
doors. The office right discloses clerks at their 
desks, but the room left is shut off from view by a 
handsome damask curtain. The furniture and 
other fixtures of the reception room are of the 
sumptuous order noiv used by large corporations. 
Time. 

Nine o'clock in the morning of the autumn of 1903. 
The electric lights are still burning in the offices, 
right, but daylight is seen through the double 
doors centre back, and also through the partition 
of Directors' Boom, left, partly hidden by a da- 
mask curtain. 

Discovered. 

Hunt, an old and faithful employee, is standing in 
front of the double doors, whilst Mr. George 
Wendham, private secretary to John Eodman, is 
busily occupied at a large table desk, right. A 
page, a young boy of about fourteen years of age, 
stands beside Mr. Wendham's desk. This boy is 
attired in a blue suit, roundabout jacket with brass 
buttons, and has an alert air and a full apprecia- 
tion of the dignity of his position. A spirit of 
activity marks the opening scenes. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS'' 7 

Wendham. 
Hunt. 

Hunt. 
Yes, sir. 

Wendtiam. 

Take these books into the directors' room, and see that 
everything is made ready for the meeting before the 
directors arrive. Hurry ! ! 

Hunt. 
Incomes doiDii and takes the hooks offered him. saijing 
as he does so.] You have forgotten ]\Ir. Rodman's pen 
and ink, sir. 

Wendham. 

Oh ! no, I haven't. Here it is. [He hands liim a gold 
pen and an old-fashioned ink stand.'] I have not been 
Mr. Eodman's secretary for ten years, not to know what 
he wants. 

Hunt. 

[Gives a nod of approval and passes into Directors' 
Boom L., while Wendham resumes It is duties at his 
desk.] 

Wendham. 

[Observing some papers lie has overlooked, hands 
them to the page and says.] 

Here, boy; take these papers into Hunt. 

[The page takes the papers and enters Directors' 
Room L.] 

Enter Thomas Crane. 

[He comes in tJirough the double doors unannounced 

and walks toivard Wendham, whom he observes 

busily occupied. Crane is a typical detective, sharp 

' and alert, and is plainly attired in a gray sack suit. 

He stands an instant.] 



8 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Wendham. 
{Stofs, holes up and smjs.] Ah! Good morning, 
Crane. 

Crane. 

[Preoccupied, licit in hand.] Good morning. [Pause.} 
Has Mr. Eodman come down yet ? 

Wendham. 
No, not yet. 

Crane. 

[Regarding his watch.] Nine o'clock. 

Wendham. 
I expect him any moment, though. 

Crane. 
Then 1"11 wait and make my report to him. 

Wendham. 
Very good. I liope you tokl the directors to be on 
time? This is an important meeting. 

CRiVNE. 

I did, sir. Oh! they know that Mr. Eodman never 
sends a call by the chief of his secret service unless 
there's something doing. 

Wendham. 
Of course. Of course. 

[Crane passes R., fal-cs a chair and seats him- 
self.] 

[Enter a Clerk from office R.] 

Clerk. 

[Advances and hands Mr. Wendham a list of names 
covering several pages of paper.] Is this the list you 
wish, sir? 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 9 

Wexdham. 
l^Lools at it and says angrily.^ Confound it, no. 1 
want the names of the registered stockholders of The 
Amalgamated Comj^any. [ForcefuUy.l The Amalga- 
mated Steel and Iron Company. Do you understand? 

Cleek. 
[Blanl-Iy.] Eh! 

Wendham. 

Oh ! hang it ! I'll get it myself ; we have no time to 
lose. 

[Tlie Clerk^ mucli crestfallen, re-enters the office 

Hunt. 
[Comes out of the Directors' Boom L., advances toward 
the double doors C. 5.] 

Wendham. 
[Rising.^ Show the directors in as soon as they ar- 
rive, Hunt. 

Hunt. 
[Nods in assent, passes to double doors and looJcs out, 
saying.^ Why, they are coming now, sir. [Exit Hunt.] 

Wendham. 
[Passing toward office R.] Good! [As he is about to 
enter he stops and says to Crane.] See that no one 
but the directors enter that room. [Pointing L.] You 
know them all. 

Crane. 
[Rising.^ Yes, sir. 

[Wendham enters office R.] 
Enter The Directors. 
[David Chamberlin and Walter Heddon enter, arm 
in arm. Chamberlin is a director of the young 



lo "THE PARTING OF THE IV AYS" 

and dashing type. Heddon, the self-satisfied and 
unbending. Craxe hows to them as they enter, 
saying.'] 

Crane. 
Good morning, gentlemen. 

Chamberlin, 
[^Nervously.] I hope we are on time. 

Crane. 
You are the first to arrive, sir. [He crosses and 
holds the door of D. B. open, saying.] Walk in. 

[They enter D. R. L.] 
[John Watts notv enters. lie is a little old man, 
dressed in a shabby suit ivith a green baize bag on 
his right arm, and an old umbrella under his left. 
He comes down unsteadily and meets Crane, say- 
ing in a feeble voice.] 

Watts. 
Am I on time, Mr. Crane? 

Crane. 
Yes, Mr. Watts. 

Watts. 
[Lool-ing about.] Where's Eodman? 

Crane. 
He hasn't arrived yet. sir. 

Watts. 
Then why did he call ns down so early? 

Crane. 
The meeting is an important one, sir. 

Watts. 
Then there's a big deal on? 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" n 

Crane. 
Yes. 

Watts. 

He, he, he I I knew it. [roinpously.'] Well, as 
president of The South Western Trust Compan}-, I am 
prepared to participate in any deal that will make money 
for us. [Confidentially.'] Rodman and I have floated 
a lot of companies together. 

Crane. 
I know that. sir. 

Watts. 

lie, he. he I And I'll tell you this, Crane ; we under- 
stand each other. He, he, he ! He's my sort. Business 
is business with us. 

Crane. 

Quite right, sir. [lie holds the door of D. R. open 
and says.] Walk in. 

Watts. 

[Advances unsteadily, and as he enters says in an 
aside.'] A big deal on and he needs me. He, he, he ! 

[Exit John Watts. He enters D. R. L.] 

[Cyrus Brandt and Benjamin Hardman noiu come in. 

Brandt is a director of the astute and legal type. 

Hardman of the hard and unhending, aristocratic 

class.] 

Brandt. 

[To Crane.] HaAT all the directors arrived, Crane? 

Crane. 
Xo, 'My. Brandt. Mr. Arnold has not come down 
yet? 

Brandt. 
[To Hardman.] He's always late. 



12 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Crane. 
\^Opens the door D. R. and they enter.'] 

Exeunt Brandt and Hardman D. R.] 
Enter Eeginald Eodman. 
[He is a young man of about tiventy-one years of age, 
faultlessly attired in the style of the day. He en- 
ters leisurely and vjalJcs toivard the directors' Room.] 

Crane. 
[Seeing that Eeginald intends to enter the Directors' 
Room, says.] You can't go in there, sir. 

Eeginald. 

[Coolly.] Why not? 

Crane. 
Those are my orders. 

Eeginald. 
But I'm Eeginald Eodman. 

Crane. 

I know that, sir. [Pause.] But you are not a director, 
are you? 

Eeginald. 
No. 

Crane. 

Well, I can't allow you to go in there. They are hold- 
ing a meeting. 

Eeginald. 

[Somewhat rebuffed.] Ah ! [He saunters off to centre 
stage, turns and says nonchalantly.] I suppose you 
know there's a big deal on to-day ? 

Crane. 

[Nods in assent.] 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 13 

Eeginald. 
Well, I'm convinced it's the largest and safest the 
governor has ever manipulated. 

Crane. 
Did 3-onr father tell you so: 

Eeginald. 

Oh, no ; he would not be likely to do that. He thinks 
I'm a fool. But I'll shoAV him some day that I'm not 
such a fool as he thinks. 

Crane. 

[Bcganls hijii cynically.^ Eh? 

Eeginald. 
[Now speaks earnestly and rapidly.'l Crane, I tell 
you, this whole Wall Street game is as crooked as a 
Faro Banlv. Yes, it is, and there's only one way to win 
out. 

Crane. 

[Taunt inyly.] What's that? 

Eeginald. 
To l)et on a sure thiug. 

Crane. 
Oh! 

Eeginald. 

The governor never puts up a dollar until he has a 
sure thing. 

Crane. 
Indeed ? 

Eeginald. 
Yes. and if T could get in there, I think I could get a 
tip that would l^e worth a fortune. 



14 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Crane. 
Well, you can't go in. 

Reginald. 

\_Aitemi)ts to pass Crane.] Oh, nonsense. 

Crane. 

{Prevents Mm by standing directly in front of the 
door.'\ Come, come, young man. None of that. 

Eeginald. 

{Seeing that lie is foiled, says jjetuhintly.] Damn it. 
I'll get the information in spite of you. [He then 
ivalhs to centre stage, and suppressing liis anger, says 
coolly.^ Will you be kind enough to step in and ask 
Mr. John Arnold to come out to see me ? 

Crane. 
Mr. i^rnold has not arrived yet, sir. 

Eeginald. 

{Gives a slight start, recovers himself and then says.^ 
So much the better. {He passes toward the double 
doors, stops an instant, turns and says calmly. 1 When 
the governor comes in tell him I want to see him. 

Crane. 
Very well, sir. 

[Eeginald passes rapidly out C. B. E. As 
Eeginald exits by ike vestibule going out L., 
Hunt comes out of the Directors' Room, fol- 
lowed by the Page, carrying some law books. 
Hunt goes to the double doors hack centre, 
looks out at Eeginald, who has passed out L.. 
then turns, looks down the vestibule E. and re- 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS' 15 

turns. The Page is occupied arranging the 
hooks on Mr. Wendiiam's desk when Hunt 
re-efiters.^ 

HUXT. 

[To Page.] Get busy there, the okl man is coming. 

Page. 
Ain't I bus}'? [He arranges the papers on the desk.^ 

Hunt. 
You'll stand watching, just the same. 

Page. 
Oh I I earn my salary all right. 

Hunt. 

You kid, you don't know what work is yet. 

Page. 
Don't I ? 

Hunt. 
No! 

Enter John Eodman. 
[He comes in through the vestibule 7?. and passes rap- 
idly through the double doors B. C. Eodman is a 
powerful man, over six feet in heighth, probably 
fifty years of age and of a most commanding pres- 
ence. His hair is iron grey, and he speaks in a 
sharp, quick authoritative manner that commands 
attention.'] 

Eodman. 
Wendham, AYcndham ! "Where's AVendham ? 

Hunt. 
He's in there, sir. [Pointing to office 7?.] Hell be 
back in a moment. 



i6 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Rodman. 
Tell him I'm here, will joii? [To Page.] Here, 
Bob ! 

Page. 

\Comes over, stands in a soldierly fashion, awaiting 
orders.^ 

EODMAN. 

Here, take this in to the Cashier. [iJc hands him a 
letter.'] 

[Hunt passes into the offices R. The Page 
passes out through double doors and off 
through the vestibule L.] 
[Crane arises and comes toward Eodman.] 

EODMAN. 

[Recognizing Crane.] Oh! is that yon, Crane? 
What report? 

Crane. 
Every director is here except Mr. Arnold, sir. 

Eodman. 
Good, that was quick work. 

Crane. 
Thank you, sir. 

Eodman. 
"Wliat report have you on The Loyalty Trust Co. ? 

Crane. 
\Iianding him a packet of papers.'] Here it is. 

Eodman. 
And the Alliance Eefining Co. ? 

Crane. 
Here, sir. [He hands him another packet of papers.] 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 17 

EODMAN. 

[Regards ilic packet.'] You have secured some valu- 
able information this time, Crane. 

Crane. 
They will do well to accede to your terms. 

EODMAX. 

Yes, if they don't come to terms now, we'll crush 
them. Anything else to report? 

Crane. 
No, not at present, sir. 

EODMAN. 

How long have you been in our service. Crane? 

Crane. 
Over twenty-five years. 

EODMAN. 

Do you remember what a fuss our directors made 
when I insisted on organizing this Secret Service De- 
partment ? 

Crane. 
Yes, sir, I do. 

Rodman. 
Do you think there is a secret service in any of the 
capitals of Europe, the equal of ours ? 

Crane. 
I am sure there is not ; we have the best staff in the 
world. 

Rodman. 
Well, I am determined that it shall remain so. It 
costs a lot, but what of that? Give me accurate infor- 
mation regarding a competitor, and I'll beat him out 
every time — every time. 



i8 • -THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Crane. 
Quite right, sir. Can I lie of aii}^ further service 
now ? 

EODMAN. 

[Kindhj.'] Xo. if I need you, I'll call you up. 

Crane. 
\_Goin<J.^^ Good morning, Mr. Eoduian. 

EODMAN. 

Good morning. 

[lie crosses L. as Wendham enters. Exit 
Crane C. B.] 

Re-enter Wendham. 

Wendham. 

[Comes out of office R. and stands expectant. 1 

Rodman. 
[Recognizing Jiini.] Ah! Wendham, did you ascer- 
tain how many shares I own in The Amalgated Steel 
and Iron Company? 

Wendham. 

Yes, sir. You hold thirty-five thousand shares. 

Rodman. 
Hm-m. Thirty-live thousand shares? 

Wendham. 
You are the largest investor in the company. 

Rodman. 
Have you any idea how many shares Richard Morton 
& Son are carrying? 

Wendham. 
I think al)out twenty-four thousand. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 19 

EODMAN. 

Has Morton eonic down yet? 

Wendiiam. 

No, sir. 

BODMAX. 

Ask Mr. Watts to step in here a moment. 

Wendham. 

[Crosses to the Directors' Boom L., opens it and says.'] 
Mr. Watts, if you please. 

Re-enter John Watts. 
[He comes in ivithout his hat or umhrella, hut luith 
■ the green haize hag still on liis arm. He ivalks up 
unsteadily toward Wendham.] 

Wendham. 
[To Watts.] ^h. Eodman wishes to see you. 

John Watts. 
[Nods in assent, then advances toward Eodman, 
chuckling to himself.] He, he, he ! [Peeping slyly 
over his spectacles.] Want to see me, Eodman? 

Eodman. 

[Curtly.] Yes ! ['Looking him square in the face.] 
Watts, this is a very important meeting, and if you 
stick by me it will be to your advantage. 

John Watts. 
Haven't I always stuck by you ? 

Eodman. 
Yes. [Pauses.] But before I proceed I must know 
just where jou and the other directors stand ? 



20 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

John Watts. 
[In a high, wheezy roi'ce.] Stand ! stand ! ! What do 
you mean ? 

EODMAN. 

[Bluntly.'] Have 3011 sold any Amalgamated stock 
short recently? 

JoHisr Watts. 

[Surprised.] I never sell short. You know that. 

EODMAN. 

Of course, of course. Well, have you sold any at all ? 

John Watts. 
[Still more surprised.] No, why should I? It's a 
good dividend-paying stock, isn't it? 

EODMAN. 

[Avoids his question and says sharply to Wendham.] 
Wendham, I wish you and Mr. Watts to ascertain from 
the other directors just where they stand also. 

John Watts. 
But Mr. Eodman — I — eh ! ... 

EODMAN. 

[Cutting him, short.] I'll explain everything to you 
in a few moments. 

John Watts. 

[Attempting to speal\] But I don't understand — 

T_eh 

Eodman. 

[Authoritatively .] Oh, do as I tell you. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 21 

Wendiiam. 
Come, Mr. Watts. [lie tal-es him hy the arm and 
they entered D. R. L.] 

Enter Johx Arnold. 

[As they exit, Arnold enters C. B. lie is a -fine gen- 
tleman of the old school, perhaijs sixty years of 
age.] 

EODMAN. 

[Looking up.] Ah, there you are, John. [Shakes 
his hand.'] How many shares of Amalgamated do you 
own? 

Arnold. 

[Sometvhai surprised.] I think a1)0ut ten thousand. 

EODMAN. 

Do you want to double that amount ? 

Arnold. 

Certainly — but 

Rodman. 
You can do it, John, if you will stick by me in the 
fight I expect on to-day. 

Arnold. 
What's the trouble. Eodman? 

EODMAN. 

It's a case of insubordination. 

t 
Arnold. 
Oh!! 

Eodman. 
You know Eichard Morton ct Sons are the brokers of 
the Company. 



22 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Arnold. 
Yes. 

EODMAN. 

Well, Morton refuses longer to take his orders from 
me. 

Arnold. 
^yhat ! ! 

EODMAN. 

If this continues he ma}' thwart our plans. 

Arnold. 
How so? 

Eodman. 

[Irvituicd.'] Have I not told you that the stock is too 
high ? 

x\rnold. 
Too high? 

Eodman. 

YeS; and that the time is ripe for a decline. 

Arnold. 
[Dumbfounded.'] A decline? 

Eodman. 
Yes, a decline. Can't you understand ? 

Arnold. 
I think I do, but I fail to see how you can justify a 
decline in the face of our report that showed the com- 
pany to be in a most flourishing condition. 

Eodman. 
We did not make that report. It was published by 
Eichard Morton & Sons. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 23 

AUNOLD. 

But they are our agents and dare not make it witli- 
out our authority. 

Rodman. 

{Fiercely.} Xow, look here, John; you are always 
looking for difficulties. This fellow Morton has grown 
too big for us ; we must clip his wings. 

Aknold. 

What ! because he refuses to become a party to a 
transaction that he considers [He clieclcs his anger] 
unwise ? 

Rodman. 

Well, unless he changes his attitude, I have deter- 
mined that we shall take our account from him and give 
it to Taylor & Company. 

Arnold. 
Oh ! don't do that. 

Rodman. 
[Savogehj.~\ I shall allow no broker to dictate terms 
to me. 

Arnold. 
But you will gain his enmity. 

Rodman. 
There you go croaking again. Do you suppose for 
one moment that T shall allow that to stand in my way? 

Arnold. 

Probably not. But here's a case where I advise you 
to be careful. 

Rodman. 
Whv ? 



24 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Arnold. 
Because Ealpli Morton is no ordinary man. He's 
resonrceful 

EODMAN. 

Yes — and as stubborn as a mule — but the time has, 
come when he must be made to do as he is told. We can 
make millions by this decline, and if I know the temper | 
of the directors they will allow no sentiment to stand 
in their way. 

Arnold. 

Xo doubt, no doubt. But I repeat, you will do well 
not to lu'eak with Ealph Morton. 

EODMAN. 

Oh, damn Ralph Morton. 

Arnold. 

You underestimate your man. 

Rodman. 
Bah ! Avhere is John Temple, the man who thought 
he would dictate terms to us only a year ago ? 

Arnold. 

l^Sadhj.'] Ruined ! 

Rodman. 
And Sutton & Company ? 

Arnold. 
Ruined. 

Rodman. 

And the Geary Company with all their millions? 

Arnold. 
Ruined. \Sadhj.'] Oh, I know you have always had 
your own "\\'ay. 



"THE PARTING OF THE IVAYS" 25 

iiODMAM. 

Yes, and I'm going to have it now; do you suppose 
that we shall allow Kichard Morton & Sons with a paltry 
capital of six millions to lay the law down to us ? When 
Ralph Morton owns a majority of the stock of the Amal- 
gamated Company, then we may listen to him — not be- 
fore. 

Arnold. 

[^Miich cltagrincd.] Then I have nothing more to say. 

EODMAN. 

I should say not. ... 

Arnold. 

[Sadly. ^ Oh. aou have always had your own way ; 
you know that, but I repeat, you will make a grave er- 
ror if you lose Morton's friendship. 

EODMAN. 

[In a more l-indly manner.^ I shall make every ef- 
fort possible to retain his friendship, John. [Advancing 
toward liim.l Go in ; I'll join 3^ou presently. [Arnold 
hows and enters D. R. L.] 

Be-enter Eeginald Rodman. 
[As John Arnold passes into the Directors' Room. 
Mr. Rodman crosses and places the papers left him 
hy Crane upon Wendham's desk. At this instant 
Reginald Rodman comes through the double doors 
C. B. and passes to centre stage; as he conies down 
his father turns and sees him, saying.'] 

Rodman. 

[Sharply.] Well, sir; what brings 3'ou here this 



mornm err 



26 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

ReGIXAI/D. 

\BlancUy.'\ I came for my cheek, dad. 

RODMAM . 

Check ! Check ! ! What check ?- 

IvEGINALD. 

You promised me my quarter's allowance in advance. 

EODMAN , 

Did I? 

Eegi>v"ald. 

Yes, sir. 

EODMAN. 

Have you spent the money I gave you last week? 

Reginald. 
[Shceinslihj.l Yes, sir. 

Rodman. 

Humph ! What time did you come home last night? 

Reginald. 
I don't know. 

Rodman. 
Well, T do ; it was two o'clock in the morning. [Regi- 
nald does not reply, hut taps his toe ivith his cane.^ 
What kept you out so late ? 

Reginald. 
I was at the cluh. 

Rodman. 
Oh! poker and high balls, as usual, eh? [Reginald 
does not reply.'] Have you your trunk packed for col- 
lege? 



"THE PARTING OF THE JVAYS" 27 

Eeginald. 

Xot yet, sir. 

Rodman. 

[Surprisol] What ! ! 

Eeginald. 

I was ]iO|)ing you might change your mind. 

EODMAN. 

Well. I liavent. Xo, no; go haclc; you may learii 
enough to keep you out of jail. 

Eeginald. 
But. father, I've told you I liave no taste whatever 
for law. 

BODilAN. 

Perhaps not, but you'll have to know something about 
it before I'll take you in. There are many shoals and 
quicksands in this business, and if we cannot sail over 
them we must get some one to pilot us around them. 
[In a Tcinder ione.'\ There, I knew you would agree 
with me. Brace up, Eeggie. Go back and take your 
degree. When you have done that, I'll l^e able to use 
you. {Slapping liim on the shoulder. ~\ Ha, then I'll 
teach you high finance. 

Eeginald. 

[Smiluui.'] High finance? 

EODMAN. 

Yes — liigli finance. Business is no longer conducted 
as it was thirty years ago. 

Eeginald. 
[Lauijhs.'] Ha, ha, ha ! 



28 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

EODMAN. 

Then it's imclerstood you'll leave for Yale to-morrow ? 

Reginald. 

{^Sullenly .'] Yes. 

Rodman. 
Good! [//c starts toward the Directors' Room.^ 

Reginald. 
But, dad, you've forgotten my check. 

Rodman. 
[Stops, gives a looh of reproach, then crosses to 
Wendham's desk and hurriedly fills out a check, ivhiclb 
he hands Reginald^ saying.'] There — don't waste it. 
for you'll not get another cent out of me for three 
months. 

[Reginald takes the check and looks at it con- 
temptuously.] 

Re-enter Wendham from Directors' Room L. 
[ile crosses to Rodman and says politely.] 

Wendham. 
The directors are waiting, sir. Here's the list. 

[He hands him a long list of names on a folio of 
paper.] 

Rodman. 
[Takes the list, then says to Reginald.] Good-by, 
Reggie. 

Reginald. 

[Sullenly.] Good-by. [He starts toward the double 

doors, intently looking at the check, then says in an 

aside.] That might have done thirt}'' years ago. It's 

not — much to-day. [He jycsses out. Exit Reginald."] 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 29 

EODMAN. 

\Crosses toivard Directors' Room, saying as lie goes.] 
Call me when Morton arrives, will you ? 

Wendham. 

Yes, sir. \_IIe resumes Ms duties at his desh-l 

[EoDMAN enters D. B. L.] 

Enter Dr. Frederick Thompson. 
[Tie is a. well-built man of about fifty-five years of age- 
self-reliant and ivell acquainted with the ivays of 
the world. He approaches Wendham's deslc and 

says.^ 

Dr. Thompson. 

Is Mr. Eodman in? 

Wendham. 

He is very bns}^, sir. 

Dr. Thompson. 
My business is important ; be kind enough to take him 
my card. [Hands him a card.'] 

Wendham. 
I fear he cannot see you now. [Reads card.'] Fred- 
erick Thompson, M. D. [Inquiringly.'] Are you a cus- 
tomer of our house ? 

Dr. Thompson. 
Xo, I am merely a friend; his family were once pa- 
tients of mine. 

Wendham. 

Oh, I understand — you wish to see him on some pri- 
vate matters. 

Dr. Thompson. 

Yes. [Wendham re-enters Directors Room L.] 



30 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS'' 

Enter Peof. Wilmer Strattox. 

\He is a handsome old gentleman of about sixty years 
of age. His hair is gray ,and Crushed hack, dis- 
closing a noble forehead and classic face. He is 
attired in the fashion of the old school, viz., a frock 
coat ivith velvet collar, a black silk stock about his 
neck, and upon his head handsome heaver hat. He 
carries a flat leather hag in his left hand, and in his 
right an ehony cane tvith a gold head. Hunt shows 
him in through the double doors C. B., saying.~\ 

Hunt. 

[Politely.] Take a seat, please. Mr. Eodman's socre- 
tarv will be back in a moment. [Exit Huxt — lie retires 
C. 5.] 

Dr. Thompsok. 

[TF/«o has been standing L., now recognizes Prof. 
Stratton, and in surprise advances toward him, say- 
ing.'] Why, Stratton, what in the world brings you 
here ? 

Prof. Strattox. 

[Someirhat embarrassed.] I — eh — I came to see Mr. 
Rodman. 

Dr. Tiiompsox. 

Humph!! Been investing in some of his securities? 

Prof. Strattox. 
[Sheepishly.] Yes. 

Dr. Thompsox. 

[Regarding him with reproach.] I thought so. 
[Pause.] Have you much at stake? 



'•THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 31 

Pkof. Stkattox. 
[Sadlij. I Yes. [In a franlc manner.^ I've put my 
entire savings in liis Amalgamated stock, and I confess 
I'm very sorry now that I've done so. 

Dr. Tiiompsox. 

[iVot/s in assent.] 

Prof. Strattox. 
I've just heard some very disquieting rumors. 

Dr. Tiiompsox. 
So have I. That's why I'm here. 

Prof. Strattox. 
[Surprised.] Indeed. 

Dr. Thompsox. 
Personally, I have no interest in the company, but 
many of my patients have — and I've determined to pro- 
tect them. 

Prof. Strattox'. 
-Aye? How? 

Dr. Thompsox'. 
By demanding the truth from John Rodman himself. 

Prof. Strattox". 
[Surprised.] Surely you do not doubt the Company's 
solidity. The last report was very reassuring. 

Dr. Thompsox'. 
Very true. But there have been some persistent ru- 
mors regarding the coming quarterly dividend that are 
not reassuring. 

Prof. Strattox. 
[Hoth/.^ Well, if these rumors prove correct I shall 
denounfi Eodman in my paper. 



2,2 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Dr. Thompson. 

Ha, ha, ha ! You don't imagine he fears anything 
you may print in '•The Standard"? 

Prof. Stratton. 
Why not ? 

Dr. Thompson. 

Wliat ! ! with its circulation of a few thousand ? 

Prof. Stratton, 
Oh, I'll admit it's a small affair, but it has converted 
a few men to honest business methods already. 

Dr. Thompson. 
I hope it may convert others. But at present. 
[Re-enter Wendham from Directors' Room L.] 

Wendtiam. 
[To Dr. Thompson.] Mr. Rodman is very busy, sir; 
he is attending a directors' meeting. Could you not 
call again? 

Dr. Thompson. 
[Regards Prof. Stratton Imoivinejly, hut does not 
speak.^ 

Prof. Stratton. 

[To Wendham.] Will you be kind enough to take 
him my card? I think he will see me. You know I 
am a friend of Mr. Morton. I shall not detain him 
long. 

Wendham. 

[Takes Ms card.] Be seated, gentlemen; I shall try 
again, 

[Exit Wendham — he re-enters Directors' Room 
/>.] 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 2,2> 

Dr. Thompson". 
\}\'itli determination.'] Stratton, we shall wait. If 
he does not see ns now, it will be because he doesn't 
wish to. 

Prof. Stratton. 

{^Crosses to the door of the Directors' Room L., lis- 
tens an instant and then returns to Dr. Thompson.] 
The meeting is not an amiable one. There is evidently 
a big deal on. 

[Both Dr. Thompson and Prof. Stratton take 
a chair and seat themselves left centre. When 
they are seated. Dr. Thompsonn sa?/s.] 

Dr. Thompson. 
Tell me, Stratton, how did you ever come to invest in 
this Amalgamated stock ? 

Prof. Stratton. 
When I heard that Eichard Morton & Sons had been 
appointed the brokers of the company I went to Ralph 
and asked his advice. 

Dr. Thompson. 
And what did he say? 

Prof. Stratton. 
He advised me to invest while it was yet at par, and 
assured me that it would be a conservative six per cent, 
investment. 

Dr. Thompson. 
Then, if that is the case, there is no need for ns to 
worry about the matter. 

Prof. Stratton. 
[Uneasily.'] Well, not exactly! Hearing this rumor 
about the reduction of the coming dividend, I went to 
Ralph again and asked him what it meant. 



34 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Dk. Tijompsox. 
And wliat did he say? 

Prof. Strattox. 
He appeared mucli worried and told me that some 
one was selling the stock short. 

Dr. Thompsox. 
Ah ! ha : ! 

Prof. Strattox. 
Then he advised me to come at once to Mr. Eodman 
and learn from him the exact condition of aifairs. 

Dr. Thompsox. 

Did that not strike you as extraordinary? You, an 
old friend, are sent to learn the truth or falsity of a 
rumor, regarding the dividend of a stock that Morton 
himself has assured you to be a conservative six per 
cent, investment? 

Prof. Strattox^. 

I confess I was surprised, but I know Ealph too well 
to hesitate — and here I am [With determination] and 
here I shall remain until I see Mr. Rodman. 

Dr. Thompsox. 
I fear your errand will be in vain. 

Prof. Strattox. 
[Surprised. 1 You mean to say that he will refuse to 
see me? 

Dr. Thompsox. 
Precisely ! ! [Regarding with a l-indly air of pity.'\ 
My dear Professor, as an editorial Avriter, you are su- 
perb, and enjoy the respect of the Press, but in this 
writhing, seething Avorld of high finance, you are a mere 
infant in arms. 



"THE PARTING OP THE WAYS" 35 

Prof. Stkattox. 

But 

Dr. Thompson. 
Oh, don't misunderstand me; I am not reproaching 
you; you are neither better nor worse than those poor 
deluded patients of mine who have risked their little all 
in this venture — risked it for what ? Wh}-, for a paltry 
dividend that may or may not be paid as the directors 
elect. 

Prof, Stratton. 
But, Thompson, isn't it the earning capacity of a 
company that insures its dividend? 

Dr. Thompson. 
\Forc\hly.l^ No, not at all. How many companies 
have earned fortunes for their stockholders, only to see 
these vast sums distributed in salaries and expenses 
among a small clique of grafters? 

Prof. Stratton. 
But surely that is contrar}- to justice and to law. 

Dr. Thompson. 
The men who direct these enterprises do not worry 
much about justice, and as for the law, they fear it less 
than you imagine. 

Prof. Stratton. 
The law exists, nevertheless. 

Dr. Thompson. 
Yes, and is evaded every day. Have you never heard 
of a dividend being paid from principle? That is con- 
trary to law, is it not ? 

Prof. Stratton. 
I believe so. 



36 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Dr. Thompson. 

Well, did you ever hear of a board of directors being 
convicted for such an act? [Pause. Prof. Stkatton 
does not reply.'] No, you will not be likely to. You 
say that your friend, Ralph Morton, advised you to in- 
vest in Amalgamated. What assurance did he give you 
that it would pay its dividend? 

Prof. Stratton. 

[Much disconcerted.] I had no right to ask a guaran- 
tee from him. 



Indeed ? 



Dr. Thompson. 



Prof. Stratton. 



[Excitedly.'] I will never believe that Ealph deceived 
me. Why should he? I am his old friend; he knew 
that I was investing the savings of a lifetime. He him- 
self is a very large holder of the stock. No; he 
would never have advised me to invest, unless he had 
honestly believed in the solidity of the Company. 

Dr. Thompson. 

But why should he be more conscientious than the 
men who employ him ? [He arises and replaces his 
chair.] 

Prof. Stratton. 

[In anger also arises, and slam,s his chair bach in its 
former position.] That will do, Thompson. I have 
listened to you very patiently, but I will not hear a 
word against my friend ; I knew his father and admired 
him as a banker of the old school ; Ralph is his father's 
son. I will risk every dollar I have in the world upon 
his integrity. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 37 

Dr. Thompson. 
I do not wish to impugn his integrity, for I, too, am 
his friend, but I ask you frankly if you consider the firm 
of Richard Morton & Sons to be the conservative institu- 
tion it was when his father directed its affairs? 

Prof. Stratton. 
[Much affected, does not reply.'] 

Dr. Thompson. 
You do not answer me? [Pauses.] You cannot, for 
you know in your heart that Morton departed from tlie 
traditions of his father the day he allied himself with 
John Eodman's powerful group of financiers. 

Prof. Stratton. 
I confess I have regarded Ralph's alliance with John 
Rodman with great apprehension. 

Dr. Thompson. 
And well you may, my dear friend, for one of two 
things must happen. Either Morton must become the 
subservient tool of this arrogant group of men, or be 
crushed by them. In matters of business they have no 
scruples. They fear neither God nor the devil. 

Prof. Stratton. 
[Pathetically.] No! No! 

Dr. Thompson. 
Yes, and if Ralph stands in their way, he'll go down 
in defeat as sure as there's a sun in heaven. 

Prof. Stratton. 
[Who has become very nervous during this conversa- 
tion.] Oh, Thompson, I wish we were well out of this. 



38 ''THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

We miist see Eodman. He will surely give us some as- 
surance. [Walking up and down.'] If he would only 
see us for a moment, we could settle this matter once 
and for all. 

[Be-enter Wendham from the Directors' Room.'] 

Prof. Stratton. 

[Advances politely toward him, his face expressing his 
anxiety.] 

Wendham. 

I am sorry, gentlemen. ^Mr. Eodman cannot see you 
to-day. He is too busy. 

Prof. Stratton. 
[Incrednlously.] Did you tell him that I would only 
detain him for a moment? 

Wendham. 
I did. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Are you quite sure he remembered my name? 

Wendham. 
Yes. I told him you were a friend of Mr. Moi-ton. 
[He passes to his desk and resumes his duties.] 

Dr. Thompson. 
There, Stratton ; you have your answer. [Regarding 
his tvatch.] It is ten o'clock; we had best be going; 
there is work ahead for me. 

Prof. Stratton. 
What do you intend to do ? 

Dr. Thompson. 

To advise every one of my friends to sell their stock. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 39 

Prof. Sthatton. 

But in advising thorn to do this, you may be playing 
into the liands of liodman. 

Dr. Tiiompsox. 
This is not a time for argument, but for aetion; Strat- 
ton, you had best sell out and get elear of this Avhole 
hellish business. 

Prof. Strattox. 
No, no; I cannot .do that until I have seen Ralph. 

Dr. Thompson. 
Then you had best see him at once. I'm off. 

Prof. Strattox. 
I shall go directly to his office. 

[Exeunt Djj. Thompson and Prof. Strattox ui 
a hasty and unceremonions manner, C. i?.] 

Enter Mrs. Richard Morton and Agnes Hampton. 
[Mrs. Morton is an extremely siveet and attractive old 
lady of perliafs sixty-five years of age. Her hair is 
slightly tinged with gray, and as she enters, it is 
evident at a glance that she is an aristocrat of the 
old school. She is elegantly attired in black and is 
accompanied by Agnes Hampton., the ivurd of 
John Rodman. Agnes Hampton is a very pretty 
and intelligent young lady, twenty-two or three 
years of age, romantic and impulsive, yet with a 
saving fund of common sense. She is beautifully 
attired in a cloth suit and carries herself ivith grace 
and dignity. HrxT holds the door open as they 
enter and says.A^ 



40 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Hunt. 
I doubt if Mr. Eodman can see you, Miss Hampton. 
There's a directors' meeting on. 

Agnes. - j 

Then I suppose my business will have to wait. ' 

Hunt. 
If you insist I will tell him you are here. 

Agnes. 
Xo, do not disturb him. {Pauses.'] Do you think 
the meeting will be a long one ? 

Hunt. 
I don't know, Miss. 

Agnes. 
Well, when Mr. Eodman is at liberty, will you ask 
him to come over to Mr. Morton's office ? Auntie and I 
are on our way there now 

Hunt. 
I will. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Do you know if my son is at the meeting? 

Hunt. 

Mr. Morton has not come in yet ; we expect him any 
moment. 

Mrs. Morton. 

In that case we shall wait. 

Hunt. 

[Offering Mrs. Morton a chair.'] Be seated. {He 
passes to the doom's C. B., opens them and looJcs off R.] 
Why, here comes Mr. Morton now. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 41 

[Hunt holds the doors open, while Ealph Mor- 
ton enters; then he exits. Hunt exits C. B.\ 

Enter Ealph Morton. 
[^He enters hurriedly and is greatly surprised at seeing 
his Mother and Agnes Hampton in Eodman's 
office. Ealph Morton is a young man of about 
thirty years of age, strong, self-reliant and resource- 
ful. He has dark piercing eyes and is attired in a 
neat business suit. When he speaks, it is in a clear, 
resonant voice tJiat indicates a man of strong char- 
acter.'] 

Ealph. 
Why, Mother ! What brings you here ? 

Mrs. Morton. 
I came with Agnes. 

Ealph. 

Yes, of course — but 

Mrs. Morton, 
You seem to have forgotten that she is of age to-day. 

Ealph. 

\_Surprised.] Why, that's so. [ile advances and 
takes her kindly by the hand.] My hearty congratula- 
tions. 

Agnes, 

Oh, thank you — thank you. 

Ealph. 
To-day you are to become mistress of your own affairs. 

Agnes. 
Yes, but my guardian is too busy making millions to 
bother with me at present. 



42 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Ealph. 
I know there is an important meeting on. That is 
wh}' I am here. I'm late now. 

Mrs. Morton. 
\^Advancing to Eai.ph.] Ealph, I shall not sleep 
soimdly until Mr. Eodman has transferred to Agne& 
every penny of her father's estate. 

Ealph. 

Snrely you do not doubt that he will? 

]\Irs. Morton. 
I distrust his methods. 

Ealph. 
Yes. I know that, but, as Agnes' guardian, he is 
obliged to render an accounting. The law is very strict 
regarding trust funds. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Oh, no doubt; but I have always regretted that Mr. 
Hampton made him her guardian. 

Ealph. 
You need liave no fear, Mother. 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Sadly.^ Has John Eodman kept every promise he 
made you, Ealph? 

Ealph, 
[Much disconcerted.^ 1 am not prepared to say that 
he has, or that he has not. [Pause.] I shall know be- 
fore long, though. 

. Mrs. Morton. 
Ah ! I thoueht as much. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 43 

Ralph. 
[Impatiently.'] Mother, mother, why must you con- 
tinually harp upon this unpleasant subject ? 

Mrs. Morton. 
Because I love you, Ralph, and because I do not wish 
the sterling name of our family dragged into question- 
able schemes for making money. 

Ralph. 
Mother! Mother!! 

Mrs. Morton. 
When your father lived, the house of Richard Mor- 
ton & Sons stood for honesty and integrity. 

Ralph. 
It does to-day, mother ;. you know that. 

Mrs. Mortox. 

Aye ! but can it continue to do so since you have 
allied yourself with John Rodman? That is the ques- 
tion. 

Ralph. 

[Kindly hut firmly.] Mother, please do not let us 
discuss this matter now. I am very busy. Go to my 
office and within an hour I shall meet you there. Then 
I will tell you exactly where I stand. Please do as I 
ask. [Putting liis arm around iier.] Please!! 

Mrs. Morton. 
[xirises and says to Agnes.] Come, Agnes. 

Ralph. 
There — there — that's good of you. [.4s they start 
toivard the double doors he says to her.] I'll see you 
to your carriage. 



44 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Mrs. Morton. 

[As they go up Ealph has his arm around her, and 
before she reaches the door she turns and looks long- 
ingly up in his face, saying.'] You'll not be long, will 
you? 

Ealph. 

No ; I'll meet you at eleven o'clock. 

[^Exeunt Omnes. Ealph and Mrs. Morton 
pass out, C. B. E., followed by Agnes Hamp- 
ton.] 

Re-enter John Eodman. 

[fl'e comes hurriedly out of the Directors' Room L. in a 
towering rage. When he reaches centre stage he 
observes Wendham quietly at work at his desk, and 
says.l 

Eodman. 

Wendham ! That fellow Arnold is an infernal fool. 
An half hour ago I had him settled, but when we got 
in committee he nearly stampeded the meeting with his 
stupid amendments. 

Wendham. 

Were his motions of a serious nature, sir? 

Eodman. 

Yes. And what do you think was at the bottom of 
them all, sentiment, sentiment, sentiment ! [Pauses.] 
I've told him time and again that there was no such 
thing as sentiment in business. 

Wendham. 
I should think he would have learned that by this 
time. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 45 

EODMAN. 

Well, he hasn't; he went on harping about integrity 
and old-fashioned business methods, until finally I cut 
him short and laid the law down to him. 

Wendham. 
I trust he will not give you any further trouble, ]\Ir. 
Rodman. 

EODMAN. 

Well, if he does, we shall make short shrift with 
him. Has Morton been in yet? 

Wendham. 
iSTo, sir. 

EODMAN. 

[Regarding his tvatch.l It is past ten o'clock. 

Wendham. 
He has probably been detained. 

EODMAN. 

[Hands him a paper.^ Have one of the clerks foot 
up this list and return it to me as quickly as possible? 

Wendham. 
[Takes list.l Yes, sir. 

EODMAN. 

You had best confirm the footing yourself. 

Wendham. 
[Going.'] I will bring it to you directly, sir. [Exit 
Wendham. He enters office J?.] 

Re-enter Ealph Morton. 
[As Ealph enters through the doidtle doors Eodman 
observes him and says.'] 



46 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

EODMAN. 

Oh ! I'm glad to see you, Morton. I've been wait- 
ing some time for you. Take a seat, will you? 

[1\[0RT0N draws a chair leisurely over to centre 
stage and seats himself. Eodman" regards him 
an instant and then does the sanieJ] 

Eodman. 

[With affected joviaUti/.'] Well. Morton, are you go- 
ing to help me put this deal through? It's the largest 
I've ever manipulated, and there are millions in it for 
us. [Morton regards him coldly, hut does not reply.] 
Come ! ! Why can't we get together ? Our interests are 
mutual. 

Morton. 

[Slial-es his head doubtfully.] If our interests were 
the only ones at stake we could soon come to an agree- 
ment; you know that. 

Eodman. 
But as our agent, you must obey our orders. 

Morton. 

[Slowly.] That depends . . . 

Eodman. 

[Bhmtly.] Am I to understand, then, that you re- 
fuse to — take vour orders from the directors and my- 
self? 

Morton. 

Yes, when such orders will ruin tliousands of people 
who have l)ought our stock as an investment, not as a 
speculation. 



"THE PARTING OF THE jrAYS" 47 

RODMAX. 

Ball!! AH stock transactions are speculations, no- 
body should know that better than you, Morton. Of 
course, we call them investments, but they are invest- 
ments of a speculative character, and he who speculates 
lias no reason to complain if the market goes against 
him. 

MORTOX. 

That is true of ordinary stock speculation, but not 
of the flotation of the Amalgamated Company. [He 
hesitates an instant, and then speals with conviction.] 
Rodman, I fear we have come to a parting of the ways. 

Rodman. 

[Gives him a defiant glance, and is about to speah 
when Ralph continues.'] 

Morton. 

Let me refresh your memory regarding the history 
of this great concern. 

Rodman. 
Oh, for heaven's sake, don't let us waste time in that. 

Morton. 

[Coldlih hut firmly.] It will not be wasting time, I 

assure you. 

Rodman. 

[Resigning himself.] Well, go on. 
Morton. 

[Draws his chair nearer Rodman and speaks rapidly 
and earnestly.] Rodman, I have watched every move 
you have made since the day you conceived the con- 
solidation of the companies that now compose this 
aioantic Steel and Iron Trust. Day 1)y day I have 



48 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

watched you, I tell you — and even now I marvel that 
you had the courage to undertake an enterprise of such 
magnitude. 

Rodman. 
\_FlaUered.'] I admit it was a big undertaking. 

Morton. 

Big ! ! It is the most colossal enterprise the world 
has ever seen, and now that it as an accomplished fact, 
I can tell you without flattery that I do not believe there 
is another man alive M^ho could have achieved what you 
have done. 

EODMAN, 

Oh, I don't know about that. 

MOETON. 

But I do. Well, you secured the Steel and Iron 
plants, the iron mines and coke works, the necessary 
steamships and railways, and a hundred minor sub- 
sidiary companies, and forged them into the colossal 
Amalgamated Steel and Iron Trust with a capital of 
millions. 

Rodman. 

Yes, and the financial world stood aghast. 

Morton. 
Precisely ! ! ! It then became necessary to sell the 
stock. The stock was listed and a strong pool formed, 
pledged to keep it at par; flaring advertisements ap- 
peared, and agents were sent to the capitals of Europe 
to secure investors. [Pause.^ The net result of these 
efforts was not as satisfactory as you had hoped for? 
I think I may state it in that way. 

Rodman. 
Oh, put it any way you please, but come to the point. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 49 

Morton. 

That was about a year ago,, was it not ? _ 

[EoDMAN nods m assent.] 

Morton. 
Well, one day you called mc up and requested an 
interview. If you will remember, it w^as Wednesday, 
October the thirteenth, a year ago. 

EODMAN. 

[Hazily.] The thirteenth? [Alert] I have forgot- 
ten the day. 

Morton. 

Yes, it was the thirteenth ; I recall it perfectly. Do 
you remember our interview on that day? 

EODMAN. 

[Evasively.] No ; how the devil can I remember all 
we talked about a year ago? 

Morton. 

[Firmly.] I see I shall have to refresh your mem- 
ory again. 

EODMAN. 

But don't forget to come to the point. 
Morton. 

[With animation.] I shall not; make no mistake 
about that. Well, I met you at your home. You were 
perfectly frank with me. and I wall render you the 
iustice to say that every statement you made that night 
regarding the value of the plants and their earning 
capacity, I have since confirmed and found to be cor- 
rect in every detail. 

EODMAN. 

True — true. 



50 "THE PARTING OP THE WAYS" 

MOKTOX. 

And yet in spite of the actual success of the com- 
pany at that time, its stock was not eagerly sought for 
by tlie public. 

Rodman. 

That is correct, and that is why I asked your aid. 

Morton. 
Exactly ! ! ! and why did you seek the aid of Richard 
]\Iorton & Sons, when there were many Avealthier firms 
near at hand? 

Rodman. 
\SUs silent and shrugs his shoulders.^ 

Morton. 
I will tell you why — you needed more actual in- 
vestors. Speculation in the stock was not sufficient to 
unload the millions of shares that remained in the 
treasury. You needed an old and conservative firm to 
put their stamp of approval upon the enterprise and 
dispose of the shares to investors. I do not mean specu- 
lative investors, as you call them, but people who 
would exchange their cash for the shares, and hold 
them for the dividend they would earn. 

Rodman. 
[Impatienily.'] Well ! Well ! 

Morton. 
I told you it could be managed provided T could as- 
sure the investors that the stock would be a conserva- 
tive six per cent, investment. 

Rodman. 
There is no necessity for us to go into details. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 51 

Morton. 
\IIotly.'\ I beg your pai'don; there is. You gave 
me your word of honor, that if our firm would then 
aid you, you would use every effort in your power to 
keep it a dividend-paying stock, 

EODMAX. 

[Attempts to interrupt.'] But • 

Morton. 
Upon that assurance I offered to become the broker 
of the company, and its shares are now held by hun- 
dreds — aye, thousands of people who have invested upon 
ray advice. 

EODMAN. 

{^Coolly.'] But I never gave you any guarantee that 
the company would always pay its dividend. How 
could I do that? 

Morton. 
[Fiercely. 1 Good God, you don't deny that you did ? 
[Both men arise and confi-ont each other.'] 

EODMAN. 

How could I do that? How could I foresee what 
the directors might do? 

Morton. 
Because the board of directors are your puppets, and 
you know it. Oh, don't attempt to deny it ! 

EODMAN. 

[Savagely.'] I do deny it. 

Morton. 
Well, will you deny that the Amalgamated Company 
has earned four per cent, during the last quarter? 



52 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS' 

EODMAN". 

[Evasively.'] I don't know 



Morton. 

You don't know? Well, I do. [Pause.] And yet 
in the face of this you propose a decline. 

EODMAX. 

Why not? 

Morton. 

For the last few days there have been persistent ru- 
mors of a decline, and I have traced them very close to 
this room. [Pointing to the Directors' Rooin.] 

EODMAN. 

I cannot he responsible for every rumor. 

Morton. 

Perhaps not; at any rate for the moment. I have 
re-established confidence, but if these rumors should be 
renewed, thousands of shares may be thrown upon the 
market and precipitate a panic. Then you will learn 
that it is easier to set a house on fire than it is to put it 
out. 

EODMAN. 

Morton, you're a fool. What difference does a rise 
or decline make in the intrinsic value of a stock? 

Morton. 

[LooMng him straight in the eye.] None whatever. 
[More rapidly.] I have never had any doubts about 
the solidity of the company, but the public regard the 
exchange as a barometer of values. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 53 

EODMAN. 

And if they become nervous and sell their invest- 
ments at a loss, are we to be blamed for that? 

MoRTO^". 
Yes, by heavens, if we precipitate the decline. The 
public are our partners in this venture, and as I have 
induced them to put their money into it, I shall pro- 
tect them as best I can, so help me, God. 

EODMAK. 

[Fiercely.'] Then, we have come to a parting of the 
ways. You are working for the interests of the public, 
not for us. Taylor & Company shall handle our ac- 
count in the future. You may render your account to 
them at once. 

[Morton" stands stunned for an instant, then 
says meclianicaUy.] 

MOETOX. 

Taylor & Company? 

RODMAX. 

Yes, Taylor & Company. They will not bother me 
with a lot of sentimental rant — they know that business 
is business. 

MOETON". 

[Witlidrau'S his handl-ercliief and ivipes the perspira- 
tion from his hroiv.] Eodman, I am bitterly disap- 
pointed in you ! 

Eodman. 

Bah ! ! ! When you refuse to make a fortune of 
millions and prate about protecting the interests of the 
public, I have no time to talk to you. You have chosen 



54 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

to serve the public — look to them for your reward. 
The public ? Ha, ha, ha ! Oh, the public be damned ! 
\^Exit EODMAN. He rushes into Directors' 
Boom /v.] 

Morton. 

\ Stands crestfallen and dejected an instant; then, as 
if fully aware of the seriousness of his position, he says 
with great bitterness.'] 

Yes, Mr. Eodman, you and your like laugh at the 
public to-day. I wonder if you will laugh as merrily a 
few years hence? 



CUETAIK. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 55 

ACT II. 

Scene. 

The fine old office of the well-known Jjanking house of 
Ealph Mokton & Sons, Broad Street, Neio York. 
The scene is soviewliat similar to Act I., except 
that the partitions of offices R. have ivindows, over 
ii:hich appear the words, Cashier, Receiving Teller, 
Bookkeeper, etc. The office L., separated by a glass 
partition, is entered by a single door, and is the 
private office of Ealph Mokton. At the double 
doors, centre back, is a large windoiv, through 
which one may see the Stock Exchange. The 
offices are furnished plainly, but substantially, in 
the style prevalent during the Civil War. A side 
table sets against the partition L., and on it there 
is a silver ice pitcher and some glasses. Over the 
double doors C. B. is a sign in gold letters on a 
dark ground, Eiciiard Morton & Son, Bankers 
& Brokers. 

Time. 
11 o'clock of the same day, Autumn, 1003. 

Discovered. 

Eaymond, an old and faithful employee, is arranging 
some papers on a large table desk L., upon which 
there is a telephone. Whilst he is at work the tele- 
phone bell rings. He takes up the receiver and 
speaks. 

Eaymond. 

[At phone.'] Is that you, Mr. Morton? [Pause.'] 
No, your mother has not arrived yet. Where are you 
now? [Pause.] Oh ! at the Exchange. [Pause.] You 



56 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

will be over in ten minutes? [Paiise.^ All right. I'll 
tell them. Good-by. [He hangs up ilie receiver and 
comes down.^ 

Enter Agnes Hampton. 
[As she enters through the double doors Eaymond 
turns and sees her, saying.^ 

Raymond. 
Good morning, Miss Hampton ! 

Agnes. 
Good morning, Eavmond. Has Mr. Morton arrived 
yet? 

Eaymond. 
Xo ! I've just received word that he has been de- 
layed at the Exchange. He'll be here in ten minutes, 
though. 

Agnes. 
Then, he's not forgotten his appointment with Aun- 
tie. 

Eaymond. 

Is Mrs. Morton with you? 

Agnes. 
Yes, she and T)r. Thompson are in the carriage out- 
side. 

Eaymond. 

Shall I ask them in? 

Agnes. 
Yes, do, please. 

[Eay3i:ond assents and goes out throuqh double 
doors C. 7?.] 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 57 

Enter Ep:ginald Kodmax. 
[.4.S' Eaymoxd passes out tlirougli the double doors, 
passing to L., Reginald enters via the passage R., 
comes through double doors, and ichen he recog- 
nizes Agnes^ stops and says.^ 

Eegixald. 
All ! good inorniiig, Miss Hampton. 

Agxes. 
Good morning, Eeggie. Wliv, what in the world is 
the matter with you? You look like a funeral. 

Eeginald. 
[Sadly.^ I'm going back to college. 

Agnes. 
I congratulated 3'ou upon your good sense, Eeggie. 

Eeginald. 
T don't Avant to be congratulated. I'm not going 
back because I Avant to. 

Agnes. 
[Slyly.] No? 

Eeginald. 
But the governor insists. He wants me to study law. 

Agnes* 
[Tauntingly.'] Well, that's really too bad. But if 
you are a lawyer you can at least make a living when 
you are a man ? 

Eeginald. 
[Indignantly .] I'm a man now. Miss Hampton. 

Agnes. 
Indeed ? 



58 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Eeginald. 
I was twenty-one last birthday. I don't think it very 
nice of you to laugh at me. You are not much older 
yourself. 

Agnes. 
Not in ye^ars, Eeggie, but in wisdom. 

Eeginald. 
Oh, I have my share of that. 

Agnes. 
I'm glad you have; you'll need it. 

Eeginald. 
I don't know why everybody thinks I'm a fool. 

Agnes. 
And pray- — what have you done recently that gives 
you such a good opinion of yourself? 

Eeginald. 

Oh! for instance {Collecis his wits.] 

Agnes. 
Well ! ! 

Eeginald. 
I have just made two bets of five thousand each on 
the coming election. 

Agnes. 
Indeed ! ! 

Eeginald. 
Yes, one is that the Democratic candidate for gov- 
ernor will be beaten by fifty thousand votes. 

Agnes. 
Well ? 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 59 

Eeginald. 
And the other is that he will not be beaten by one 
hundred thousand. [Pause.] Do you see the little 
joker in it? 

Agnes. 
ISTo, I don't, for he might be elected. 

Reginald. 

Well, in that case he will not be defeated by one 
hundred thousand votes, will he? 

Agnes. 
No! 

Eeginald. 
Then I'll win that bet. 

Agnes. 
Yes. 

Reginald. 
And if he is beaten by fifty thousand or more I'll 
win the other, won't I? 

Agnes. 
Yes, but you may win one and lose the other. How 
can you make money that way? 

Reginald. 
I can't — but can't lose anything, can I? 

Agnes. 
Xo. 

Reginald. 
[Confideniially.] Now, suppose he makes a close 
run and is defeated by sixty thousand. 

Agnes. 
Well ? 



6o "THE PARTING OF THT WAYS" 

Eeginald. 
I'll win both bets, because I have fifty thousand votes 
leeway. 

Agnes, 
Why, that's so, you rogue; you may win both. 

Eeginald. 

Ah ! ha, you see it at last. Ha, ha, ha ! Now, let 
me show you this little trick. 

[He tosses a coin up in the air and catches it in 
his right hand. Then he slaps his right hand 
across his left and stands expecta7it.] 
Guess ? 

Agnes. 
No, thank you. I don't care for your ideas of busi- 
ness. 

Eeginald. 
Ha, ha, ha ! You see, I'm learning the intricacies of 

high finance 

Agnes. 
[Incredulously.] High finance? Ha, ha, ha! Eeg- 
gie, you are not such a fool as you look. Your father 
should take you in partnership. 

Eeginald. 
[Earnestly.] I wish you would tell him that, Miss 
Hampton. 

Agnes. 
[Regarding him slyly.] No, you had best do that. 

[Re-enter Eaymond.] 

Eaymond. 

[To Agnes.] Your Aunt and Dr. Thompson will be 
up directly. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 6i 

Eegijstald. 
Then I must be going. 

Agnes. 
[To Eeginald.] Won't you wait and see Auntie? 

Eeginald. 
No, I must go. [He starts to go, then stops and 
says.] Say, Miss Hampton, wouldn't you like to see 
the Stock iExchange? 

Agnes. 
Yes, indeed I would. [Pause.] Will it take long? 

Eeginald. 

No, it's just across the street. 

Agnes. 
[To Eaymond.] Tell Auntie I'll be back in a mo- 
ment. 

Eaymond. 

Yes, Miss. 

Agnes. 

[To Eeginald.] I'll not be missed; I think Auntie 
wants to see Dr. Thompson alone. 

Eeginald. 
[Taking her arm.] Well, come along then, and I'll 
give you a lesson in High Finance ! 

Agnes. 
Ha, ha, ha! High finance? 

Eeginald. 

Yes, high finance. Ha, ha, ha! 

[Exeunt Agnes and Eeginald C. B. They 
pass out together laughing.] 



62 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Enter Mrs. Eiciiard Morton, escorted hy Dr. Freder- 
ick Thompson. 
[.4s Reginald and Agnes go out hy the passage 
L., voices are heard off passage R. Eaymond 
goes up and holds the doors while the Doctor 
and Mrs. Morton enter. When she has come 
down R. C. Mrs. Morton speaks.'l 

Mrs. Morton. 
{Loohing ahout.'] Where is Agnes? 

Raymond. 

She went out with Mr. Reginald a moment ago. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Oh!! 

Raymond. 

She said she would be back in a few moments. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Thank you. 

[Raymond passes out C. B. hy passage R.] 

Mrs. Morton. 
I am glad we are left alone, Doctor. 

Dr. Thompson. 
Yes? 

Mrs. Morton. 
I can speak frankly with you before my son arrives. 

Dr. Thompson. 

[Hands Mrs. Morton a chair and she seats herself. 
Then he loohs down at her in a kindly manner and 
says.] 

Now, my dear Mrs. Morton, tell me what is troubling 
vou? 



"THE PARTING OF THE IV AYS" 63 

Mrs. Morton. 
I am sorry to annoy you with my cares, Doctor, but 
the time has come when I must speak. I need your 
counsel. 

Dr. Thompson. 
I shall gladly render you any service I can. 

Mrs. Morton. 

I know that. Doctor. [Pause. She looks up in his 
face earnestly.] We mothers build our hopes and as- 
pirations in our children. It is perhaps a foolish thing 
to do, yet they are our idols, our love goes forth to 
them, and when it is returned we drink of that true 
happiness that gives us joy and peace, but when we see 
our hopes dissolve as dew before a summer sun, then 
we drink the cup of bitterness, and sadness fills our 
hearts. 

Dr. Thompson. 

[Sadly.] True. 

Mrs. Morton. 
How long have you been our family doctor? 

Dr. Thompson. 
Some thirty years — I remember distinctly the mis- 
sion that first brought me to your home. 

Mrs. Morton, 
I have not forgotten it either, Doctor, nor shall I 
forget the devotion you showed upon that occasion. My 
little boy was ill; we feared the case was hopeless; you 
watched him through that fearful night, and with the 
morn the crisis came; the fever broke, and then we 
knew that God had spared my child. 

Dr. Tpiompson. 
The case was a critical one. How old was Ealph 
then? 



64 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Mrs. MoRTOisr. 
He was five years old. 

Dr. Thompson. 
Yes? 

Mrs. Morton. 

Since then I've seen him grow from boy to youth, 
from youth to man's estate. 'Twas you who counselled 
me to send him to Harvard ; my hope was then that he 
might select a literary career, and that he would have 
done had not my husband's death changed all his plans. 

Dr. Thompson. 

Ah! Fate plays us all some scurvy trick, but we 
must face our destiny and then we suffer on in silence. 

Mrs. Morton. 

[Pathetically.] God knows I've suffered. [She hesi- 
tates an instant.] 

Dr. Thompson. 
[Kindly.] My dear Mrs. Morton, I know that. 

Mrs. Morton. 

[More rapidly.] I've seen my boy taken from col- 
lege and launched into this seething maelstrom of liigh 
finance. Little by little I have watched him discard 
the conservative traditions of his father in this mad 
rush for wealth, and now at last to my sorrow he has 
allied himself with the most daring and unprincipled 
set of financiers the world has ever seen. 

Dr. Thompson. 
There is no doubt about that. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 65 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Bitterly.] Do you think I can regard this Avithout 
a feeling of bitterness? I who have had such hopes and 
high ambitions for my son. 

Dr. Thompson. 
[Crossing hack of her.] Ah! Now I understand. 
Have you suggested his retiring from Wall Street? 

Mrs. Morton. 
Yes, but to no effect. I can scarcely get a word from 
him. 

Dr. Thompson. 
Yet he loves you. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Yes, thank God for that. 

Dr. Thompson. 
[Beflecting.] What motives do you think are im- 
pelling him? 

Mrs. Morton. 
I know too well the motives. They are ambition and 
the desire for wealth. 

Dr. Thompson. 

[Assents and then says sadly.] That's it. 

Mrs. Morton. 

[Despairingly.] Why, he's money mad. 

Dr. Thompson. 
Can't you withdraw him for a while from this mill 
that is grinding out his soul? [Buoyantly.] Suggest 
a trip to the West Indies; it may be the means of sav- 
ing him — the trip will do you both good. 



66 "THE PARTING OF THE IV AYS" 

Mrs. Mortox. 
[Lool-iiig up in his face.] A good suggestion, Doc- 
tor. 

Dr. Thompson. 
I am sure he loves you too much to let you go alone, 
and if he won't go with you, we shall have to use other 
means. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Ah, Doctor, there arc moments when I would even 
welcome his defeat, if it would only give me hack my 
boy who at my knees learned to pray and thank God 
for the mercies he bestows. 

Dr. Thompson. 
Take courage, then, and let us hope that all your 
fears may be dispelled. Your son will soon be here. 

Mrs. Morton. 
I expect him at any moment. 

Dr. Thompson. 
Then I'll leave you and meet you at your home to- 
night. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Yes: do so. [Fause.] Ah. vou arc a friend in- 
deed. 

Dr. Thompson. 

Good morning, Mrs. Morton. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Good morning, Doctor, and many, many thanks for 
your advice. 

Dr. Thompson. 

[Guiiuj.] To-night then? 



"THE PARTIXG OF THE WAYS" 67 

Mrs. Morton. 
To-night. 

[Exit Dk. Thompson C. B. E.] 

Re-enter Agnes Hampton. 
[She enters in great glee, rushes up to Mrs. Morton 
and throws her arms lovingly around her.^ 

Agnes. 
Oh, Auntie, Auntie ; I've seen the Stock Exchange ; it 
is beautiful. I've never seen anything like it before. 
Oh, it's wonderful ! 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Aside.] Poor child ! 

Agnes. 
[Vt'ith animation.] In the midst of the crowd stood 
your son like a rock defying the storm; around him 
there Avas a group of men, who, like himself, were 
fighting the battle of their lives. Oh, I could see the 
tragedy in their faces as they looked to him for help, 
and this he gave them, not by words of sympathy, but 
by the commands he issued to his subordinates. The 
battle raged fiercely and more fierce, until at last the 
storm seemed to spend its force. Then Mr. Morton 
jumped upon a bench and shouted defiance at his ene- 
mies : "You've smashed Amalgamated thirty points," 
he said. "It's now par; we'll take all you've got at 
that price ; it's a good investment ; bring it to us in 
ten thousand share lots." Then there went up a shout, 
the like of which I've never heard before in all my life. 
Hats were thrown in the air, men danced and cried for 
Joy. Bedlam itself could not have been Avorse. Oh, 
Auntie; you should l)e proud of your son — you should, 
indeed. 



68 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Mbs. Morton. 
{Sadly. ^ I am proud of him, Agnes, but not for 
this. {Pause.^ How is it that young Mr. Rodman did 
not return with you? 

Agnes. ■ 
I lost him in the crowd, Auntie; he seemed greatly 
excited when Mr. Morton challenged his enemies, and 
went down to speak to a friend upon the floor. I have 
not seen him since. 

Mrs. Morton. 
!N"o doubt he, too, is speculating. [She bids her 
bring a chair and he seated at her side.] Agnes, is 
there anything serious between you and young Mr. 
Rodman ? 

Agnes. 
[Laughing.] Ha, ha, ha! Oh, dear no, Auntie; 
how could there be? 

Mrs. Morton, 
But I fear you encourage him. 

Agnes, 
Oh. indeed, I don't, Auntie. I make fun of him. If 
he will persist in his attentions, I am sure I can't help 
it, and besides — he is sometimes so amusing. Ha, ha, 
ha! {Encouraging Mrs. Morton.] Why, even you, 
yourself, have said so. 

Mrs. Morton, 
Yes, that is true, but he is very impressionable, I 
should be very sorry to have you mislead him, 

Agnes, 
{Coyly.] Mislead Reggie? Why should I. Auntie? 
Of course the dear boy is very impressionable; most 
young men are at his age, but they soon get over it. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 69 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Regards her reprovingly .^ 

Agnes. 

Oh, I'll take good care that he doesn't lose his head 
or heart either, as far as I am concerned. No, Mr. 
Reginald Eodman, heir to the Rodman millions, is not 
for me, or rather I should sa}^ I am not for him. I 
want a hero, a true knight-errant — one whom I can 
love, not for his millions, but for himself alone. 

Mrs. Morton, 

And pray, Agnes, where are you to find this knight- 
errant? This is not the age of romance. 

Agnes. 
Oh, the age of romance has not passed, Auntie. 

Mrs. Morton. 

No? 

Agnes. 

The plumed knight in armor clad, the charger beau- 
tifully caparisoned has passed away, but heroism never 
dies. In the gigantic battle I have seen to-day I have 
found my hero. 

Mrs. Morton. 

[Regards her with increasing amazement.^ Agnes ! 

Agnes. 
Oh ! My knight-errant fought bravely to-day to save 
his friends from ruin. 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Sur prised. '\ Agnes ! I 



70 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Agnes. 
[Puts her anus tenderly around Mrs. Mortox.] 
Can't you guess who my hero is? 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Ecstatically.] You mean my Ealph? 

Agnes. 

[Silently assents.] 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Rises and hisses Agnes on hotli cheelcs.] My child, 
you have made me very happy. 

Agnes. 
[Quietly.] But what I have tokl you must remain a 
secret. [A pause.] You know that your son lias 
vowed that he will never marry [Sadly], and if he 
should mean it — it would break my heart. 

Mrs. Morton. 
There, there, my child; take courage. I believe his 
indifference to women is assumed, besides he is much 
too engrossed in business at present to think of any- 
thing else. I fear he must suffer the bitter humilia- 
tion of defeat before he will see life with the proper 
spiritual vision. When that time comes he may think 
of love. 

Agnes. 
But. Auntie, my hero shall not be defeated; he must 
succeed. 

Mrs. Morton. 
My dear, time alone can answer that. 

[The distant roar of voices in the street beloiv 
attracts the attention of Agnes, who instantly 
r7t.ns til rough the douhle doors C. B. and loohs 



"THE PJRTING OF THE WAYS" 71 

out of the large window. Mlien she arrives 
at the window tumultuous cheering is heard. 
Agnes hesitates an iiutant, and then conies 
doicn in great excitement.] 

Agnes. 
Auntie, Avintio. there is Mr. Morton coining tliis 
way; a crowd is following him. Can't you hear the 
cheering? [The cheering groics louder and louder.] 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Much alarmed.] What does it all moan? 

Agnes. 

[Gleefully.] It means that my champion is vic- 
torious — victorious. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Agnes ! 

[Voices are heard in the corridor, among ihem 
Ealph Morton is heard to say.] 

Ealph Morton. 
[Off scene.] All right, boys, that will do. 

Mrs. Morton. 
That is Ealph ; make some excuse and leave us to- 
gether a moment. 

Yes, Auntie. 



Agnes. 



[The cheering slill continues.] 

Enter Ealph Morton. 

[As he enters through the double doors, the cheering 

gradually dies away. He has lost his hat, his 

coat is torn, his collar and cravat disarranged; 



72 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

nevertheless he enters ivith the smile of victory 
upon his face. He at once notices his mother and 
hurries to her, and when she has arisen takes her 
lovingly in his arms and kisses her fervently upon 
both cheeks; he holds her in his embrace an in- 
stant, looks up and smiles at Agnes and says.'\ 

Ealpti. 
Mother. I've beat 'em, I beat 'em. [Then he looks 
more searchingly at her and sees to his horror that she 
has fainted.] Quick! Some water, Miss Hampton! 

[Agnes quickly brings a glass of tvater.] 

Ralph. 
[Places his mother gently in her chair again, while 
Agnes takes a bottle of smelling salts from her reti- 
cule. The salts quickly revive her; then Ralph says.] 
The excitement has been too much for her. [To his 
motlicr.] There, there; see you are better already 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Draw's Agnes more closely and whispers in her ear.] 

Agnes. 

You are quite sure you feel all right again? [Pause.] 
Then I'll leave you for a moment. I'll be back pres- 
ently. 
[Exit Agnes; she pjasses into Ralph^s private office L.] 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Regarding Ralph.] Your coat is torn ! ! 

Ralph. 

[Attempting to laugh.] "Wliy, so it is! 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 7i 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Pathetically.] Ealph, Ealph, what does this all 
mean ? 

Ealph. 

[Draws a chair up beside his mother, and takes her 
hand lovingly in his own.] Mother, it means that I 
have fought the battle of my life. 

Mrs. Morton, 
I do not understand? 

Ealph. 
This morning John Eodman called me to his office 
and discharged me as he would have done an office boy. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Discharged you? 

Ealph. 
Yes, and why do you think he did it, mother? 

Mrs. Morton. 
I don't know, Ealph; I don't know. 

Ealph. 
Because I would not become a party to a crime that 
would wring millions from the people. 

Mrs. Morton. 
But why must you embroil yourself in this battle of 
millions ? 

Ealph. 
[Hotly.] Do you suppose I shall allow John Eod- 
man to use our fair name to float this company, and 
then insult us to our face ? No, by heavens ! 

Mrs. Morton. 
Ealph ! ! 



74 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Ealph. 

[Bitterly.] Oh. he shall pay dearh' for this indig- 
nit}', I promise you. 

3Irs. Mohtox. 

'No, no ! ! 

Ralph. 

Yes. he shall. I'll fight him now until he cries for 
quarter. We shall sec Avhether integrity is not an asset 
of more value than money. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Integrity was an asset when your father Avas alive, 
hut to-day it's money, money, money. Honor, peace, 
happiness— everything is measured by it. 

Ealph. 
Yes, hut I think I see a ray of light upon the hori- 
zon. 

Mrs. Morton. 

[Shal-es Iwr head donhtfuUy.] 

Ealpii. 
[Now draws his chair nearer to his mother and 
speaks earnestly and rapidly.] Listen, mother, and I 
will tell you. It was ten o'clock when I had my inter- 
view with Rodman. [He looks at his ivatch.] It is 
now half past eleven. In that short tiuie I have made 
history. 

Mrs. Morton. 
I do not understand? 

Ralph. 
When John Rodman said that in the future Taylor 
and Company would represent The Amalgamated Com- 
pany on the Exchange, I knew what was in store for 
me. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 75 

Mrs. Morton. 
[In a irenihling voice.] What do yoii mean? 

Ralph. 
That I was to be crushed. No man has ever dared to 
defy him withont paying the penalty. And the penalty 
is rnin. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Ah ! I knew it. 

Ralph. 
I knew I had to act quickly. Within an hour I se- 
cured the assistance of three powerful firms and the 
personal aid of the President of one of the largest Trust 
Companies in the city. 

Mrs. Morton. 
But how did you do this? 

Ralph. 
I showed them that the company was earning six- 
teen per cent, per annum. I proved this by the report 
published by Rodman's authority. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Yes. 

Ralph. 
I convinced them that this raid was an organized 
scheme to stampede the small shareholders in order that 
Rodman and his friends might buy back at fifty cents 
en the dollar the stock they had sold them at par. 

Mrs. Morton. 
But why did these firms come to your assistance; 
was it friendship for you ? 



76 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Ealph. 

[Somewhat embarrassed.] To some extent — you 
know Rodman and his associates are not beloved by the 
entire commercial world. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Then it was antagonism to Mr. Eodman? 

Ealph. 

[Still more embarrassed.] Not altogether — although 
possibly that may have had some influence. No, I 
think I really clinched the matter when I showed them 
that Eodman could not sell many thousand more shares 
short without losing control. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Then you appealed to their self-interest? 

Ealph. 
[Attempts to avoid her searching glance, but failing 
in this looks at the floor and says sloivly.] Yes. 

Mrs. Mortox. 
Then you have built your house upon a foundation 
of sand, and at the first blast of a tempest it will fall 
about your ears like a house built of cards. [Wifli- 
conviction.] You and your friends cannot defeat John 
Rodman. 

Ealph. 
[Excitedly.] He is already defeated. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Only for the moment, he neither forgets nor for- 
gives ; he will ruin you yet. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 77 

Ralph. 
{Arises in his excitement and walks about as lie 
speaks.] No, he has reckoned without his host this 
time. There is but one way he can succeed; he must 
stampede the investing shareholders. Already he has 
attempted to do this by circulating false reports; we 
have checkmated him there; then he commenced sell- 
ing the stock short, and although he has sold thousands 
of shares, the stockholders have not yet deserted us. 
[He now speaks forcefully.] No, there is but one way 
he can stampede them, and that is by passing the divi- 
dend [Savagely] and he doesn't dare to do that. He 
doesn't dare to do that ! ! ! 

Mrs. Morton. 
John Eodman fears nothing; Avhy should he hesitate 
when he can make untold millions by such a simple 
ruse? 

Ralph. 
Because, mother, he would have to pay too dearly for 
it. There are some cases where money is gained at too 
great a price — this is one of them. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Then you underestimate your adversary. He will stop 
at nothing when millions lure him on. 

Ralph. 
[Excitedly.] He dare not I ! Had I acceded to his 
wish, he could have accomplished his purpose silently, 
and nobody would have known who the traitor was. 
But now he must come out in the open and prove him- 
self a liar and a traitor; the finger of scorn would be 
pointed at him; he would be shunned by all good so- 
ciety, and become a social outcast. 



78 "THE PARTING OF THE IVAYS" 

Mrs. Morton. 
No, he would not be shunned by society and become a 
social outcast, because the standard of worth to-day is 
wealth, not integrity. Money is their God. [Implor- 
ingly.] Oh, Ralph, Ralph, let us leave this mad rush 
for wealth ^and sail away upon your yacht for a cruise 
in the West Indies. 

Ralph. 
[Bitterly.] Ah ! Mother, don't speak of yachting 
cruises when the ^^elfare of thousands hangs upon me. 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Pleading.] Only for a little while. 

Ralph. 

Wh}', mother, people who never owned a share of 
stock before in their lives have put their little all in 
this venture upon my assurance. I cannot desert them 
now. To do so would be cowardice. My honor is at 
stake. 

Mrs. Morton. 

Oh, Ralph, if you woukl only listen to me. 

Ralph. 
No, no, I cannot. 

Enter Prof. Stratton. 

[He rushes in through the double doors in great e.v- 

citement and hands Ralppi a scrap of paper.] 

Prof. Stratton. 
[Greatly excited.] Ralph! Ralph I Your floor man 
Thornton on the Exchange sent me with this. He 
wants to see you at once. 



"THE PARTING OF THE IV AYS" 79 

Ralph. 

[Seizes the paper and reads rapidly. \ They are 
forcing the fight ; come at once ! [He regards Prof. 
Steatton, whose face denotes disaster; then he rushes 
out, saying.] I'll be back in a moment, mother; don't 
go until 1 return. 

Mrs. Morton'. 

[Surprised.] Why ! He's gone without his hat. 
What is the meaning of this, Professor? 

Prof. Strattox. 
It means that unless Ealph can steady the market, a 
panic Avill ensue ; he may be ruined, and I will have 
lost the savings of a lifetime. 

[Re-enter Agxes Hampton from office left. She 
has been standing in the doorway a moment 
and now advances and spealcs.] 

Agn'es. 
[Wiili conviction.] He will be victorious, I am sure 
of it. Oh, Auntie, please let me go to the Exchange. 

Mrs. Mortox. 

No, you must not leave me now, Agnes. I am very 
nervous. 

[Agxes, greatly disappointed, passes through 
the double doors C. B. and tools out of the 
large ivindoiv.] 

[To Prof. Steattox.] I am sorry to learn that you 
have been speculating, Professor. 

Prof. Strattox. 
[Slightly irritated.] I have not been speculating, 
Mrs. Morton; I put my savings into Amalgamated as 
an investment. 



8o "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Mrs. Morton. 
You are juggling with words. I fear. 

Prof. Steatton. 
No ! I'm not juggling with words ; remember I am 
a college professor whose paltry salary is scarcely 
enough to give him a living. Have I not the right to 
invest it in a company whose solidity has been assured 
by your son, without being regarded as a speculator? 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Apologetically.'] I do not wish to reproach you. 

Prof. Steatton. 
N'o, but unfortunately you have struck the keynote 
of the whole situation. [Forcefully.'] Have not the 
people who put their money into companies of this 
character the right to be treated fairly? 

Mrs. Morton. 
Certainly. 

Prof. Stratton. 
And are not the officers and directors of these com- 
panies the servants of the people who invest their sav- 
ings in them? 

Mrs. Morton. 
They should be, but I fear Wall Street is not yet 
Utopia. 

Prof. Stratton. 

No ! ! but the day will come when these men, who 
are our servants, shall be called to account. They have 
lorded it over us long enough. 

Mrs. Morton. 
I pray it may be so. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 8i 

[The Stock Exchange and Financial Recorders, 
which have heretofore been working at irreg- 
ular intervals, now make so much noise that 
the attention of everybody in the room is at- 
tracted to them.] 

Agnes. 
[Coming doivn.'] Oli, Auntie, Auntie, there must be a 
battle royal in the Exchange. Won't you let me go? 
Oh, please. Auntie, let me go. 

Prof. Stratton. 
You had best remain. ]\Iiss Hampton ; Ealph will re- 
turn in a few moments and tell us all. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Oh, I wish it were all over, this suspense is torturing 
me. 

Prof. Stratton. 

[Kindly.] Won't you come in Ealph 's private office 
and rest yourself a moment! [Mrs. Morton arises.] 
Miss Hampton will tell us when your son returns. 

Agnes. 
[Advances to Mrs. Morton and says sympathetic- 
ally.] Do, Auntie. Don't worry, Ralph will win yet. 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Arises, takes Prof. Stratton's arm. and together 
they enter Ralppi's private office.] 

Re-enter Reginald Rodman. 
[Reginald comes in through the double doors in great 
haste; his hat is smashed: his collar and coat dis- 
arranged, and he is evidently laboring under great 



82 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

excitement; however, he attempts to pull himself 
together and assume his usually polite demeanor.] 

Eeginald. 
[Agnes gives him a frigid glance.] I hope you will 
excuse me for having left you, Miss Hampton. In- 
deed I do — I know I have been very rude, but I could 
not help it. Oh, I'm very sorry; indeed, I am. 

Agnes. 
It is the last time you shall take me out, Mr. Eod- 
man. I might have been killed in that crowd. 

Eeginald. 
I know; they came very near finishing me; look at 
me!! 

Agnes. 
Have you just come from the Exchange? 

Eeginald. 
Yes, I sold [He stops short.] 

Agnes. 
There, I knew it ; you've been speculating ; which 
side are you on — for or against Mr. Morton ? 

Eeginald. 
Oh, never mind. 

Agnes. 
But I do mind. 

Eeginald. 
Don't worry about me ; I'm only a two-spot in this 
game. Why, when I left the floor a few moments ago, 
they were tossing ten and twenty thousand share lots 
into the ringr. 



"THE PARTING OF THE JVAVS" 83 

Agnes. 
Oh!! 

Keginald. 
Everybody is acting like lunatics. Why, as I passed 
into the street, some frenzied man attacked me, and I 
would never have reached here if Crane had not come 
to my assistance. [Forcefully.] This fight between 
Morton and the governor has split Wall Street wide 
open. [At this instant the roar of the moh in the 
street heloiv attracts his attention.] There, do you 
hear that? Well, I'm off to see the ilnish. [He rushes 
out unceremoniously . ] 

[Exit Eeginald C. B. E.] 

Agnes. 
[Passes to the large windoiv B. C. and looks out, 
then returns and looks at the Market Recorder ribbon. 
As the roar dies away, Rodman's voice is heard off 
scene.] 

EODMAN. 

[Off scene.] Is Morton here? 

Raymond. 

[At double doors.] No, sir. 

[John Rodman enters Inirriedly.] 

Rodman, 

[Curtly.] Where is he? 

Raymond. 
At the Exchange, sir. 

Rodman. 

Well, they'll need him there now. Has my ward, 
Miss Hampton, come in yet ? 



84 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Eaymond. 

There she is^ sir! [Fomting to Agnes.] 

EODMAN. 

Oh! [He advances toward Agnes.] Here you are. 

[Eaymond retires C. B. E.] 

Agnes. 
[Turns and says.] Good morning, Mr. Eodman. 

EODMAN. 

[Somewhat itnpatiently.] You left word at the office 
for me to meet you here. What's the trouble? 

Agnes. 
[Smiling.] Oh, there's no particular trouble, I as- 
sure you, only I'm of age to-day. 

Eodman. 
I have forgotten the matter. [Eefiecting .] Let me 
see. I promised you an accounting of your father's 
estate — did I not? 

Agnes. 
Yes. 

Eodman. 
Well, I've thought the matter over and I've come to 
the conclusion that you had best leave your investments 
in my hands — I'll double them for you, if you do? 

Agnes. 
Oh, thank you^ — but I prefer to control my own 
affairs. 

Eodman. 

Well, that is your privilege — I'll have the transfer 
made next week. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 85 

Agnes. 
[Anxiously .'[ But t wish to have it made at once. 

Rodman. 

[Sus'piciously .] Why do you wish the affair settled 
at once; are you interested in this fellow Morton? 

Agnes. 
Yes. [Pause. ^^ Perhaps more than you imagine. 

EODMAN. 

Indeed. Would you be foolish enough to risk your 
money in this fight of his if you had it? 

Agnes. 
Yes, if I thought I could save him. 

EODMAN. 

That would not be very grateful to me, your guard- 
ian. Well, you may be thankful that you haven't any- 
thing at stake with Ealph Morton, for if you had, you 
would lose every penny of it. 

Agnes. 
You think he will fail then? 

EODMAN. 

Yes, if he persists. It ma}^ prove his ruin. 

Agnes. 
[Alarmed.^ You surely don't mean to ruin him? 

EODMAN. 

I gave him fair warning. He has forced the fight. 
Now let him look to himself. 



86 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

[The roar of the mob in the street is again heard 
off scene, and continues during remainder of 
scene.^ 

Agnes. 
[Dramatically.] Mr. Eodman, you are ruining a 
brave and lionest man, and the day will come when 
you will regret it. 

EODMAN. 

I am not in need of advice just now. Come to my 
office a week from to-day, and I'll settle your affairs. 
Then you will be responsible for yoar own investments, 
not I. 

[Exit EoDMAN. Re goes out rapidly C. B. E.] 

Agnes. 

[Stands dazed for a moment, the tumult in the street 
foreboding disaster.] 

[The roar of the mob in the street beloiv grows 
louder and louder, fimilly when the tumult 
has reached its climax.] 

Enter Ealpii Morton. 
[Ealph enters rapidly through the double doors and 
drops limply into a chair near his mother. He is 
pale, worn, and dejected and too exhausted to 
speak. Agnes observing this, quickly brings him 
a glass of water, udiich he takes from her hands 
and mechanically places to his lips. After he has 
drunk deeply he returns the glass to Iter and for 
an instant sits speechless, blankly staring into 
the auditorium. Prof. Stratton advances and 
places his hand kindly on his shoulder, whilst his 
mother takes Ealpti's hand in her otvn and ca- 
resses it. 117/ en the roar of the mob dies away 
Ealpii speaks.] 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 87 

Ealph. 

[In a voice treinhUng ivitli emotion.^ It's all over, 
mother; I've been caught like a rat in a trap — I'm 
done for. 

Mrs, Morton. 

My poor bo}' 

Ealph. 

I tried to stem the storm, but that was impossible; 
they passed the dividend, and threw thousands of shares 
on the market ; the stock dropped a point a minute ; 
all other securities fell in sympathy, and now there is 
a panic that only the closing of the Exchange can stop. 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Calmly.'] It had to come, Ealph. [Pause.] It is 
best that it has come. 

Ealph. 

[Lool-ing up sadly in the face of Prof. Stratton.] 
Poor old friend. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Dont mind me, Ealph. In spite of our misfortune, 
we are richer by far than John Eodman with all his 
millions. 

Ealph. 
I was tricked — ^he lied to me— he lied to his friends 
— he and his clique are the most soulless set of men 
the world has ever seen. 

Mrs. Morton. 
It is true that you were betrayed, Ealph, but you de- 
ceived yourself. 

Ealph. 
Xo!! 



88 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Mrs. Mortox. 

Yes, you deceived yourself when you entered this 
mad race for wealth and power; you deceived your- 
self when you allied your firm with John Eodman, a 
man who believes that the chief end of life is the 
acquisition of wealth, and that the only guiding motive 
in the world is self-interest. 

Prof. Stratton. 
True ! True ! 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Wiili conviction.] But there is a nobler motive 
than selfishness. Ah, Ealph, you must listen to me. 

Ealph. 

[Sits, looliiug scarcliingly at his mother.] 

Prof. Stratton. 
[Advances and puts arm affectionately on Ralph's 
shoulder.] Ralph, there comes a time in the life of 
every man when he feels capable of great things. That 
time has arrived for you. Are you fully awake to the 
possibilities before you? 

Ralph. 
What do you mean? 

Prof. Strattox. 
Why must you waste your life in money making? 
What interest does the world at large take in the quar- 
rel between Rodman and yourself? None at all. Why 
should they? The affair is personal, and at best con- 
cerns a few thousand shareholders, most of whom in- 
vested for the profit there was in it; why should the 
world weep for them? 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 89 

Ealph. 

But my friends must be repaid if I die for it. I 
shall not see them robbed. 

Prof. Stratton. 
I admit thc}^ shoukl Ije repaid, and this you can ac- 
complish if you discard your personal quarrel and at- 
tack principles. 

Ralph. 

[Arises and lools scarchingli/ at Prof. STRATTOjir.] 
How ? 

Prof. Strattox. 

Strike at the system that has built up these colossal 
fortunes, show the privileges by which they have been 
nourished, and the trickery by which they have grown 
to such prodigious proportions. Start a campaign of 
education, sound a battle cry that can be heard from 
the Atlantic to the Pacific, then you will have the pub- 
lic with you. 

Ealph. 

[Firmly.] You are right, my friend. [He then 
takes his mothers hand and says.] Ah! mother, I 
was wrong not to have listened to you. There never 
was a time more propitious for such a campaign. 
[Pause.] We shall probably be called Anarchists for 
attacking the vested rights of capital, but what of that ? 

Prof. Strattox. 

Wbo cares what they call us as long as we have the 
right on our side. Most of the men who now direct 
our so-called destiny are selfish and arrogant ; we have 
chosen to put them on a lofty pedestal, and believe 
them to be our superiors, but they are not, for they 
have no ideals beyond the making of money. 



90 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Ealph. 
That's true. But how are we to start our campaign? 

Pkof. Stratton. 
We must win the press over to our side. 

Ralph, 

The press will not print our propaganda? 

Pkof. Stratton, 
Not at present, but "The Standard" will. 

Ealph. 
Ha, ha, ha! That's so. 

Prof. Stratton. 
And when the other independent journals hear the 
rumpus they'll get aboard. 

Ealph. 
We won't be able to make much of a rumpus with- 
out capital? 

Mrs. Morton. 
{Advancing. ^^ Ealph, you are welcome to every dol- 
lar I have in the world for such a cause; take it and 
make the fight, 

Ealph. 
But, mother, your little fortune would not be a drop 
in the bucket. I need half a million for such an un- 
dertaking. Who will lend me such a sum, with the 
jiossibility of never being repaid. 

Prof. Stratton. 
That's the question. 



•'THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 91 

Agnes Hampton. 
[1]7io has been a silent spectator of the episode and 
comes hetivcen Ralph and his mother, who occupies 
the centre of the stage. She says quietly.] I will!! 

Ealph. 

[Dumbfounded.] You will? 

Agxes. 
Yes. the fortune left me by my father will be ample 
for your cause; take it and repay me when you are suc- 
cessful. 

Ealph. 
But I may never succeed. 

Agnes. 
You will succeed, for you are right; take it and 
make me happ}'. 

Ralph. 
What shall I do, mother? 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Puts her arm lovingly around Agnes.] Take it, 
Ralph; I knoAv she is sincere; this tight is now a ques- 
tion between honesty and dishonesty, and you will win. 

Agnes. 

Yes, you will win. [Imploringly.'] Take it and lead 
us on to victory. 

Ralph. 

[Talces the hand of Agnes and looks searchingly in 
her eyes.] My little woman, I never thought you had 
as much courage as this ; to-day I see you in a different 
light. [To his mother triumphantly.] Mother, I A^dll 
accept and lead the cause to victory or die in the at- 
tempt. 



92 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Prof. Stkatton. 

[Joyously.] Bravo ! Bravo ! ! Now we'll sound a 
clarion note that shall awaken the nation. We'll de- 
nounce these men and their rotten methods of high 
finance. We'll show by what trickery and corruption 
they have grown rich, and like an avenging Nemesis, 
we'll flay them until they see the evil of their ways and 
plead for mercy. 

Mrs. Morton. 

[117/0 lias returned to the cJiair, tools at I?alph and 
says.] Ah, at last I see a ray of light upon the hori- 
zon. 

Ealph. 

[Crosses to his mother.] Yes, mother, a fairer day 
is dawning, for from this day forth I shall dedicate the 
remainder of my life to fighting these men and the 
conditions that have made them possible. We shall see 
whether honesty or dishonesty shall prevail. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Honesty will prevail. [Pause.] And now, my son, 
bind that vow with a kiss. 

[Ealph bends over and kisses his mother on the 
brow and then falls upon one Jcnee and boivs 
his head in her lap as he used to do ivhen he 
urns a boy. At this instant a smile of victory 
passes over her face and she says.] 
Aye, here at my knees you learned to pray. Now. 
God grant you health and strength to keep your vow. 



CUETAIN. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 93 

ACT III. 

Scene. 

The editorial rooms of The Standard of the People; 
overloobing Broad Street and the Stock Exchange, 
Neiu York City. There are tivo large double ivin- 
dows at centre hack, before which are two large 
table desks. Through this window one may see 
the tall huildings and house tops of the district. 
On the right of large windoiv is a staircase leading 
to a loft above, and to the right of the stairway 
is a door luhich leads to the composing room. On 
left a similar door leads to the elevator; near this 
door is a desk and telephone and a revolving chair. 
Against the wall at various places are chairs for 
customers. The furnishings are of the usual type 
used to-day, and denote a thriving, enterprising 
newspaper office. A financial News Recorder occu- 
pies the R. of stage. 

Time. 

The Autumn of 1909 (six years later). The hour of 
noon. 

Discovered. 
Dawson, a young clerk, is discovered at his desk on the 
left, and Prof. Stratton is seated before a table 
desk R. Prof. Stratton is busily occupied open- 
ing a pile of letters on his desk, while Dawson is 
copying a list of names in a large book, seated at 
the telephone desk R. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Here, Dawson. [He rises and hands him a handful 
of letters.] Here are fifty more subscriptions for "The 
Standard." "What do you think of that? 



94 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Dawsox. 

Gee, but that'.s encouraging. 

Prof. Stratton. 
It certainly is. Lord, who could have forseen our 
success six years ago. Then our circulation was only a 
few thousand. To-day it is a million. We have John 
Rodman to thank for that. 

Dawson. 

[Looling up {ntenthj.] How so, sir? 

Prof. Stratton. 
It was he who ruined Ealph Morton, and it was 
Ralph who backed me in this fight for honesty in busi- 
ness. 

Dawson. 
But, sir, I thought it was Miss Hampton who fur- 
nished the capital? 

Prof. Stratton. 
So it was, Dawson ; so it was — without her assist- 
ance, Morton could neither have helped me nor himself. 

Dawson. 
Was she very rich, sir? 

Prof. Stratton. 
IS'ot as rich as some suppose. But she had pluck, 
my boy. She gave Ralph every dollar she had in the 
world. 

Dawson. 
She must have thought a lot of him to do that ? 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 95 

Prof. Stratton. 
She loves and honors him. I l)elieve they are 
engaged. Well, lialph liquidated with his creditors, 
and together we started this Metropolitan daily. 

Dawsox. 

That took money. 

Prof. Strattox. 
Yes, but, thank God, we are on Easy Street now. 
Our ])aper is profitable, and Kichard Morton & Son are 
still honored and respected in the Street. 

Dawson. 
But they don't cut much of a figure in Wall Street 
to-day. 

Prof. Strattox. 
Not directly, Dawson, for now they only do an in- 
vestment business. Their real strength lies here ! 

Dawsox". 
^\^lat do 3^ou mean, sir? 

Prof. Strattox. 
I mean that "The Standard" is a mighty power in 
the land. Ealph could not fight Eodman in the open 
market. He is not rich enough to do that. But, just 
the same, I expect he will gain control of Amalgamated 
at the coming elections to-day. 

Daw^sox. 
Do you really think so? 

Prof. Strattox. 
I am almost certain of it. The honest principles for 
which '"The Standard" has fought are at last bearing 



96 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

fruit. \IIe goes to his clesh and gets a large bundle of 
papers.^ See ! ! Here are proxies for over one himdred 
thousand shares. 

Daavsox. 
What are proxies, anyway, Professor? 

Prof. Stratton. 
A proxy is an authorization in writing given by the 
owner of the stock to another to vote it in his stead. 

Dawson. 
Then they represent the stock? 

Prof. Stratton. 
Yes, that's it. If Ralph can control a majority of 
the stock, he'll give them a square deal. 

DaW'SON. 

I'll bet he will. 

Prof. Stratton. 
That's why so many stockholders are sending us their 
proxies. 

Enter Postman. 
[lie comes in through door B., takes a large bundle of 
legal envelopes from his bag, hands them to Prof. 
Stratton and retires^^ 

Prof. Stratton. 
See — here's a lot more. [Buoyantly.] I tell you, 
Dawson, things are coming our way at last. 

[Their conversation is cut short by the uncere- 
monious entrance of Scragg from the com- 
posing room L.] 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 97 

[SoRAGG is a young hoy about fourteen years of age. 
He ivears a dirty apron, and his face is besmeared 
with ink. In his hands he has some proof sheets.] 

SCUAGG. 

[To Prof. Stratton.] Mr. King wants you to 
0. K. this editorial, sir. 

Prof. Stratton, 
[Seated at desk, takes proof sheets.] He don't ex- 
pect me to 0. K. such errors as these, does he? How 
do you spell vindicate, Scragg? 

SCRAGG. 

I don't know, sir. 

Prof. Stratton. 
You don't know, eh? Well, do you spell it with a 
w or Avith a V? 

Scragg. 
I don't know, sir. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Well, Avhy don't you know? 

Scragg. 
'Cause I'm only a printer's devil. I wipes off the 
cylinders and cleans the types; I ain't s'posed to know 
nuffin 'bout literature. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Have you never been to school? 

Scragg. 
Sure. I've been to school, but I never learned much. 
They never spelled Avindicate in my class. 



98 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Peof. Strattox. 
[Busy.] Xo? 

SCRAGG. 

But I guess if 3'ou spells it wid a w.. Prof., you'll 
be all right. 

Prof. Strattox. 

I don't think so, Scragg. [Handing liini the manu- 
script after making several corrections.] Take that 
back to Mr. King and tell him to put that clause in a 
parenthesis, and let the proof reader go over the whole 
before it goes to press. 

Scragg. 
All right, sir. [He starts toicard the composing 
room L., hut stops and says.] Say, Prof., I guess I've 
done something wrong. 

Prof. Strattox. 
[Witli, mod- severity.] Why, what have you done 
now ? 

Scragg. 
I've forgot to tell you something. 

Prof. Strattox^. 
"Well, what is it, Scragg? 

Scragg. 
I forgot to tell you them Leaguer fellers is coming 
here in a little while. 

Prof. Strattox. 
You mean the League of Journalists? Are they in 
town ? 

Scragg. 
Yes, sir; Mr. Hall, come in when you was out. 



"THE FARTING OF THE WAYS" 99 

Prof. Strattox. 
Well, well!! What did he say? 

SCRAGG. 

He said fur me to tell you they'd all he ou hand. 

Prof. Stratton. 

Good ! Good ! ! That's the best news yet. Did he 
say anything else? 

Scragg. 

Yes, he said he had a bunch of er 



Prof. Stratton. 
Proxies ? 

Scragg. 
Yes, sir ; them's the things he's got. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Ha, ha, ha, ha ! I knew it. I knew it. Ha, ha, ha ! 
Oh, Ave'll beat Eodman yet. 

Scragg. 
[Lools pleased, hut hesitates.] 

Prof. Stratton. 
Come, don't forget to tell Mr. King to correct that 
editorial. 

Scragg. 
[Going.] No, sir; no, sir! 

[Exit Scragg; he enters composing room L.] 
[The telephone hell rings and Dawson takes 
the message.] 

Dawson. 
Yes, sir. Prof. Stratton is here. [Pause.] Xo, 



100 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Mr. Morton is not here. He is at Mr. Arnold's office, 
but we expect him before long. 

{He rings off and hangs up the telephone. To 
Prof. Stratton.] 

The League of Journalists will bo here in a few min- 
utes, sir. 

Prof. Stiuttox. 
Good — who are coming? 

Dawson. 
Hall of Philadelphia "Eecorder." Benson of the St. 
Louis "Star," Saunders of the 'Frisco "Times" and 
Brice of the Chicago "ISTews." 

Prof. Stratton. \ 

Good, they are all on hand. [Elated.'] Lord, that 
puts courage in me. 

{Their conversation is interrupted by the hur- 
ried re-entrance of Scragg.] 

Prof. Stratton. 
{Loolcing up at Scragg.] Well? 

Scragg. 
Mr. King says he must see you, sir. 

Prof. Stratton. 
[Very busy.] What about? 

Scragg. 
Not about windicate. Prof., but about that editorial. 
He says it's a hot one. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Well, what of that? 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS'' loi 

SCRAGG. 

He says you'll sure get law-suited for it. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Sued for libel, you mean. 

ScRAGG. 

Yes, I guess that's it ; anyhow, he wants to see you. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Tell him that I can't see him just now. 

SCRAGG. 

Yes, sir. 

Prof. Stratton, 

And, Scragg, tell him I know what I'm about. 

SCRAGG. 

I'll bet my life on that. Prof. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Tell him not to lose his nerve, Scragg. I'll stand 
for every word of it. Do you imderstand? 

Scragg. 
Yes, sir, I'll tell him; I'll tell him. [He stops.] 
Why, Prof., I believe I've got more nerve 'en he has. 
[Pointing to the composing room.] 

Prof. Stratton. 
[Looking up.] I believe you have, Scragg. And who 
can tell — why, some day you may be an editor your- 
self. Some of the best newspaper men have started as 
printers' devils. 



I02 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

SCKAGG. 

[Incrednlovsiy.] You're not gaiying mc, are you, 
Prof. ? 

Prof. Stratton. 
No, Scragg; that's a fact. 

SCRAGG. 

Then I'll he an editor. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Spoken like a man, Scragg. Stick by me, my boy, 
and I'll see that you make that promise good. 

Scragg. 
I'll do it, sir. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Good ! ! 

Scragg. 
[Going.] And I'll tell Mr. King to buck up — you 
know what you're about. 

Prof. Stratton. 
And that I'll join him presently. 

Scragg. 
[Beaming all over.] Yes, sir. 

[E.vit Scragg; he re-enters the composing room 
L.] 

[Prof. Stratton tahes up a telegram, then 
pushes an electric button at the side of his 
deslc, when an electric hell is heard off scene. 
An instant later an operator comes down the 
staircase L. and stands on the platform await- 
ing orders.] 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 103 

Operator. 
Did you ring, sir? 

Prof. Strattox. 
Send this message off at once to Chicago, St. Louis, 
and Xew Orleans, and give me a reply before two 
o'clock. 

Operator. 
Shall I use the code, sir? 

Prof. Strattox. 
Xo. 

Operator. 
But our competitors may pick the message up on its 
way. 

Prof. Strattox. 
Who cares? We are fighting in the open, and wc 
only Avant the votes of those who believe in our meth- 
ods. [He returns to liis desk and examines ivriting.] 
Send the message. 

Operator. 
A'ery well, sir. 

[He sits in his chair and sends the message. As 
he operates his instrument, the electric flashes 
from the indication coil light the room with a 
weird glare, and as each spark appears, a 
sharp sound like the craclcing of a lohip is 
heard. A feiu seconds elapse ivhen the oper- 
ator having foricarded the message, arises and 
says.] 
Any further orders, sir? 

Prof. Strattox. 
]^o, Ijut when Air. Ralph comes in, we shall need you 
again. 



104 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Operator. 
I shall be in the room above, sir. 

[He exits up the staircase L.] 

Prof. Stratton. 
[To Dawson.] Take this telegram to Mr. Morton 
and ask him to indorse the answer on the back. Do 
you know Avhere to find him ? 

Dawson. 

I think he's at Mr. Arnold's office. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Bring me his answer at once. 

[Dawson takes his hat hurriedly and goes out 
B.] 

Re-enter Scragg. 

SCRAGG. 

Mr. King says he must see you, sir. 

Prof. Stratton. 
What's the matter now, Scragg? 

Scragg. 
It's about that editorial, sir. He says we'll all get 
jugged if we prints it like that. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Confound him, can't he do as he's told? [He rises, 
leaviiifi the proxies and papers on his desk.] Come, 
Scragg, we'll soon straighten him out. 

Scragg. 
[Beaming all over.] You bet. 

[Prof. Stratton hurriedly enters the compos- 
ing room, folloived hy Scragg.] 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 105 

Enter Ciiane and his assistant, Pitt. 

Pitt, 
[Lool-ing about in surprise.] No one here. Shall 
we wait ? 

Ckane. 
Of course. You didn't find Morton in his office, did 
you? 

Pitt. 
N"o. 

Cranj::. 
Nor at the Exchange. 

' Pitt. 

No. 

Crane. 
Then the most likely place for ns to find him is here. 
The governor's orders were imperative for me to deliver 
this letter to Mr, Morton or Prof. Stratton, personally. 

Pitt. 
I thought the old man broke with Morton six years 
ago. 

Crane. 
So he did. 

Pitt. 
Then what can he want with him now? 

Crane. 
That's the question, Pitt, bnt I think I can answer it. 

Pitt. 
What do you mean? 

Crane. 
AVhy, the old man is in for the fight of his life. 
These fellows here, with their infernal yellow journal. 



io6 '-rHE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

have made it too hot for him; they have denounced 
everybod,y who makes a dollar as thieves, and the pub- 
lic believes them. 

Pitt. 

But what's their game? 

Ckane. 
Why, to create a strong sentiment against Kodman 
and elect directors of their own selection. 

Pitt. 
Do you think they will succeed? 

Crane. 
They are making a hot light of it, or else the old 
man would not wish to see Mr. Morton; you can bet 
your life on that. 

Pitt. 
WhcAV ! ! Things have changed. 

Crane. 
Yes, and this damn paper is the cause of it all. 

Pitt. 
Who would believe it. [Loohing about.] And such 
a miserable plant as this. 

Crane. 
There's where you fool yourself, Pitt. If you had 
not been in Mexico for the past two years you'd know 
more about it now. 

Pitt. 
But it's only a newspaper, after all. 

Crane. 
This is no ordinary paper, Pitt; it's the best organ- 
ized daily in the TJnited States. They have a plant like 



■'THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 107 

this in a dozen of the largest cities, and at two o'clock 
every morning each branch runs off its issue. The 
total amounts to several million copies. 

Pitt. 
Who directs its policy? 

Crane. 
The old gentleman who sits at the desk there — Strat- 
ton's his name. He's the best editorial writer in the 
United States. 

Pitt. 
I J n credulously.] Xo? 

Crane. 
Yes, he is. All his editorials are transmitted by 
wireless to their branch offices. 

Pitt. 
That beats mo. 

Crane. 
Yes, and this wireless outfit has beaten the old man, 
for noAv they are independent of any of the telegraph 
companies. 

Pitt. 
[Meditating.] And so they are fighting to get con- 
trol of the governor's company, eh ? 

[He crosses and stands before Prof. Stil^tton's 

desk, upon which there are a pile of papers; 

he picl's one up.] 

Hello, what's this? [Reads.] I, Cyrus Brandt, of 

the Cit}^ of New York, hereby appoint Ealph Morton, 

of the City of Xew York, my lawful proxy and attor- 

nev to vote in my name and stead for directors of the 



io8 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Amalgamated Steel and Iron Company, at the next 
meeting of the said Company. Signed, Cyrus Brandt. 
[Repeating.^ Cyrus Brandt!! [In surprise.] What 
do you think of that, Chief ? 

Crane. 

[Seizes the proxy from Pitt and regards it.] I've 
suspected that fellow of disloyalty for a long time. 

Pitt. 

Now, you have the proof. I wish you could show 
that to Mr. Rodman. [Picking up a lot of proxies.] 
What's to prevent me from pocketing a dozen of these? 

Crane. 

[Much excited.] No, no, that would soon he found 
out. [Pause.] I have a much better idea. I'll give 
them my proxy. 

Pitt. 

Ha, ha, ha ! That Avould be a joke. 

Crane. 
Not such a joke as you think. 

Pitt. 
Why not? 

Crane. 

Because it would give the old man a trump card if 
the election should be close. 

Pitt. 
I can't believe he'll lose, though. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 109 

Crane. 
[Losing all patience.] Hell!! [Pointing to 
Branpt's proxy.] This proves that Brandt has de- 
serted him; who can say who the next traitor will be? 

Pitt. 
[Someu'liai subdued.] But suppose they vote the 
proxy you give them. 

Crane, 
I'll take good care of that. 

Pitt. 
"What do you mean? 

Crane. 
You'll see. 

[Voices are heard in the composing room L.] 
[Alert.] Keep your eye on that door. [Pointing 
at door L.] 

Pitt. 
[Crosses, opens the door of composing room L. and 
peeps in, then says.] 

They're having a hot argument about something. 

Crane. 
So much the better for us. Have you a blank proxA 
in your pocket? 

Pitt. 

Yes, hero. [Hands him one.] 

Crane. 
[Seizes the hlanlc, crosses to Prof. Stratton's desk, 
and hurriedly fills it in.] How many shares of Amal- 
gamated do vou think John Arnold owns? 



no "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Pitt. 
Why John Arnold? 

Crane. 
Because I know he has not made up his mind yet 
He's been abroad these six months, and refused his 
proxy to any one. Do you think he owns ten thousand 
shares ? 

Pitt. 
Yes, and more. 

Crane. 
All right. Here goes 

Pitt. 
{Greatly cxcUecL] You're not going to forge Mr, 
Arnold's name, are you? Whv. that's State Prison. 
Chief ! ! 

Crane. 

[Imperatively.] Be quiet, you fool! [He seizes the 
proxy and hands it to Pitt to read.] Eead that ! 

Pitt. 
[Beads aloud.] John B. Arnold. Well? 

Crane. 
Does that look like his handwriting? 

Pitt. 
How should I know? 

Crane. 

Don't you see the trick, you blockhead? 

Pitt. 
Xo, I don't. 



■'THE FARTING OF THE WAYS" in 

Crane. 
[Regarding Jiiin with contempt.] There is no such 
man as Jolm B. Arnold. Mr. Arnold has no middle 
name. 

Pitt. 
[Amazed.] Well, what do you think of that? 

Crane. 
[Coolly.] Here, 30U see I place it among the others. 
Xow. if they count it, they will only fool themselves. 

Pitt. 
[Alarmed.] But they may vote it? 

Crane. 
No, they won't, for the old man will call them down 
and contest the elections. [Knoiuingly.] That's high 
finance for you. 

Pitt. 

[Sarcastically.] High finance. Ha, ha, ha! 

[A noise is heard in the composing room L.] 

Pitt. 
[Chuclding to himself.] He, he, he! High finance? 

Crane. 
Hush ! 

Pitt. 
He, he, he ! 

Crane. 

[Sharply.] Oh, get out, you fool; I'll manage this 
myself. 

Pitt. 

Very well. I'll go. [He passes toward the door R.] 
And if T find Morton, I'll tell him you are here waiting 
for liim. 



112 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Crane. 
{Impatiently J] All right, all right, but get out. 

Pitt. 
{Passes out B., laughing.^ 

{At this instant voices are again heard in the 
composing room L. Prof. Stkatton enters.^ 

{He comes in hurriedly from the composing 
room and stops upon seeing Crane standing 
centre stage.] 

Prof. Stratton. 
{Surprised.] Did you wish to see me? 

Crane. 
Eh? Not exactly. I have an important message for 
Mr. Morton. {Offering the letter.] 

Prof. Stratton. 
Well, he's not here. {Looking at the letter.] Do you 
know the purport of this letter? 

Crane. 
Yes, sir. Mr. Eodman wishes to see Mr. Morton be- 
fore the directors meet at his office to-day. 

Prof. Stratton. 
{Gruffly.] Well, if John Eodman wishes to see him, 
he can come here. 

Crane. 
{Somewhat rebuffed.] But — eh? 

Prof. Stratton. 
You heard what I said ! 

Crane. 
Will Mr. jMorton be in soon ? 



-THE PARTING OF THE JVAYS" 113 

Pkof. Stratton. 
I'll have liini here in ten minutes. 

C'rane. 
A'ery well, I'll tell Mr. Rodman, sir. 

[Exit Crane. .4*^ he goes out R. Dawson 
passes him at the doorway. PitOF. Stratton 
goes to his desk.] 

Be-enter Dawson. 

Dawson. 
[Goes up to Prof. Stratton and hands him a note, 
saying.] Here's Mr. Morton's answer, sir. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Where rlid yon find him? 

Dawson. 
At Mr. xVrnold's office. He was trying to win him 
over. 

Prof. Stratton. 
[Surprised.] Then Arnold's hack from Europe? 

D AAV son. 

Yes, sir; he arrived this morning. 

Prof. Stratton. 
That's good news. Go hack at once and tell Morton 
that John Rodman is coming here in a few moments. 

Dawson. 
What 1 1 Rodman coming here? 

Prof. Stratton. 
[Ini patient}}].] Go and get Morton. 



114 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Dawson. 

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. 

[Exit Dawson. He departs hurriedly R.\ 
Enter The League of Journalists. 
{As Dawson goes out, leaving the door open, 
voices are heard in the passageway. At this 
Prof. Stratton rises and Hall, Ben- 
son, Bryce, and Saunders enter with much 
ado. Prof. Stratton advances and greets 
them enthusiastically .\ 

Prof. Stratton. 
[Shaking hands ivith each.] Good morning, gentle- 
men. How goes the campaign with your j)apers? 

Benson. 
[Cheerily.'] Oh, we're convincing them fast enough. 

Bryce. 
We are getting the proxies, all right. 

Hall. 

Look at these ! [He hands Prof. Stratton a bun- 
dle of proxies.] Look at 'em. Votes for five thousand 
shares. 

Bryce. 

Here are four thousand more. [Hands him a 
paclcet.] Oh, we'll have a majority, that's sure. 

•p9:^nnoo 
Prof. Stratton. 
I hope so, but nobody can tell that until the votes are 

Hall. 
I'll bet we'll win. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 115 

Benson. 

Of course, we will. The public are with us. Rod- 
man can't hold his own directors any longer, and now 
that the Governor of the State has authorized our com- 
mittee of investigation, they see where the fight is lead- 
ing. 

Hall. 

High finance can't stand publicity, Professor. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Oh, I'm not discouraged. [Softly.'] Eodman is 
coming here in a few minutes to meet Ralph. 

Benson. 
The devil he is? 

Prof. Stratton. 
Yes. 

Hall. 
Then he's up to something. 

Bryce. 
No, he's badly frightened, that's all. 

Prof. Stratton. 
He may be frightened, but remember it's votes that 
count. 

Hall. 
You're right. 

Benson. 
Let us be off then; time is precious. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Yes, the success of our campaign depends on our 
holding a majority. 



ii6 '-THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Hall. 
Oh, we'll beat him vet. Come, boys, hustle is the 
word. {Goin<).] We'll keep 3'ou informed, Professor. 
\Exit The League with much ado 7?.] 

Prof. Stratton. 
[Resumes his duties at his desk.] 

Be-enter the Operator. 

\He comes doivn the staircase and hands the 
Professor a telegram, saying.] 

Operator. 
Here's yonr answer, sir. Every shareholder has been 
notified. 

Prof. Stratton. 

Good, that was quick work. 

Operator. 
Any other orders, sir? 

P]{0F. Stratton. 
i^o. not at present. 

[Exit Operator up staii-case L.] 

Enter Reginald Eodman. 
[He is evidently embarrassed, hut advances and says.] 

Reginald. 
Good morning, sir. 

Prof. Stratton. ' 
[Regarding him over his glasses. Aside.] Young 
Rodman? What brings him here? 

Reginald. 
Has my father called this morning? 



"THE PARTISG OF THE WAYS' 117 

Prof. Stratton. 
No, Imt I expect him here very shortly. 

Eeginald. 
{Asidc.^^ I thought so. 

Prof. Strattox. 
What did you say? 

Reginald. 
Oh, nothing. ILow do you think the election will 
go. Professor? 

Prof. Strattox. 
I can tell you that better \\\\Qn the votes are counted. 

Eegixald. 
Ah, yes, of course; but do you think there is any 
chance of the governor losing control? He seems very 
much worried about the matter. 

Prof. Strattox. 
T don't know — what do you think? 

Regix^ald. 
He's in for a hot fight. He can't hold the directors 
together this time — you know Cyrus Brandt has de- 
serted him. 

Prof. Strattox. 
[Surprised.^ H-m-m-m — who told you that? 

Eegixald. 
[Aside.] He doesn't deny it. [Aloud.] Oh, never 
mind; you see I'm quite well informed. 

Prof. Strattox. 
[Off his guard.] I can't understand why Mr. Brandt 
should toll vou. 



ii8 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Eeginald. 
[SignificanUy aside.] He didn't. 

Prof. Steatton, 
Young man, what did you come here for, anyway? 

Eeginald. 
[Coolly.] Do you think Mr. Morton could see me a 
moment ? 

Pkof. Stratton. 
'No, for he's at Mr. Arnold's office now. 

Eeginald. 

[Gives a start and says, aside.] Arnold's office — that 
settles it — I'm on the right scent this time. He'll wing 
him yet. [Aloud.] I'll not wait. 

Prof. Stratton. 

[Rises and lool:s in the composing room and says 

gruffly.] No, don't 

Eeginald. 

[Starts to go, then hesitates, stands irresolute, then 
says aside.] The governor is going to lose the election 
I'll bet my life on it. Moments mean millions ! By 
heaA'ens, I'll risk it. [Aloud.] May I use your tele- 
phone, Professor? 

Prof. Stratton. 
[At door.] Yes, help yourself. [He enters the com- 
posing room for a moment.] 

Eeginald. 
[Seated at Dawson's deslc, takes up telephone and 
says.] Hello, Central; give me one, eight, four, two. 

Broad [Pause.] Is this Van Brunt & Porter? 

[Pause.] Take my order for two thousand shares of 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 119 

Amalgamated at the market price, and tell Mr. Van 
Brunt I'll come over directly. {He replaces the tele- 
phone and says.] Thank you very much, sir. [He 
turns, and seeing no one, says.] Ha! he's gone — 
well, I'm off. 

\Exit Reginald. He passes out quicJcly R.] 

[At this instant. Prof. Stratton opens the 

door of composing room and stands an instant 

ivatching the men at work, then he re-enters 

just as Reginald goes out.] 

Enter John Rodman. 

[He is accompanied hy Crane, who having 
hrought him safely to the door, leaves him, 
saying.] 

Crane. 
These are the offices of "The Standard," sir. 

Rodman. 

^^^1Y, Morton is not here yet. Where's the Editor? 

Crane. 
There he is, sir. 

Rodman. 
[Lotv to Crane.] Thank you; that will do. 

[Exit Crane R.] 
Prof. Stratton. 
[Lool's up and observes Mr. Rodman, who seems to 
he preoccupied. Advancing, he says politely.] 
Mr. Rodman, I believe? 

Rodman. 
Yes, and 3'ou are Prof. Wilmer Stratton, are you not? 

Prof. Stratton. 
Yes, I have the honor to be the Editor-in-Chief of 
"The Standard." 



120 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

EODMAN. 

T am o]ad to meet you. If I remember correctly, 
you called upon me the day of the panic? 

Pi!OF. Stratton. 
Yes. 

EODMAN. 

I regret that it was impossible for me to see you 
then. I could not have seen my best friend at that mo- 
ment. 

Prof. Stratton. 

Oh, the matter is forgotten, I assure you. 

EODMAN. 

{Kiudhj.} T am glad of that; much has happened 
since that day. 

PuoF. Stratton. 
Much indeed. Be seated, will you? 

[He offers Mr. Rodman a chair, ichicli lie places 
centre stage, and tal-es another himself and 
sits near him.] 

Mr. j\Iorton will be here in a moment. 

Rodman. 
I hope Morton and I shall be aljle to come to some 
'agreement. It would be to the interests of all con- 
cerned if we could. [Bluntly.] You know I am an 
old stager in this business. I have had to fight all my 
life, but the campaign you and Morton are carrying on 
is an unusual one. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Publicity is a Ijitter campaign, I admit, but it was 
the only weapon we had left when you ruined Ralph. 



-THE PARTING OP THE WAYS" 121 

EODMAX. 

Tic could have been a multi-millionaire to-day if lie 
liad followed my advice. 

Prof. Strattox. 
T have no doiil)t of that, but he chose to protect his 
friends and save his honor. 

liODilAN. 

He Avas always sentimental, but sentiment never yet 
produced success. How much longer do you think he is 
going to keep up this tight ? 

[The door L. opens, and Ralppi Morton en- 
ters. He stands eying Rodmax an instant. 
Prof. Strattox arises and lools in his direc- 
tion.] 

Prof. Strattox. 
I don't know, but here he is ; he can answer for him- 
self. 

RODMAX'. 

[Jn>('s and looks at RALrii as he enters.] 

RODMAX. 

Ah, there you are, Morton. 

[Ralph nods to liim. crosses and takes the cliair 
offered by Prof. Strattox. u-lio returns to 
his duties at his desk.] 

MORTOX. 

So you want to know how much longer we are going 
to continue this campaign, eh? 

RODMAX. 

Yes. 



122 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

MOUTON. 

Well, we are going to keep it up until we have 
smashed the whole rotten system that has made you 
and your friends rich. We are striking at the root 
now — i^erhaps you can see where the fight is leading. 

EODMAN. 

[Evasively.'] No, I cannot. 

Morton. 
Then I will show you. You and your class have 
grown rich and great by privilege, but if we wrench 
these privileges from you, we shall put you down where 
you belong, here upon a level of opportunity with other 
men. [He points to the floor.] 

EODMAX. 

Now, see here, Morton; I didn't come here to argue 
on generalities, but to try to come to an agreement 
with you. 

Morton. 

Ha ! ! 

EODMAN. 

This campaign of yours is imfair. 
_ Morton. 

I don't think so. [Forcefully.] Oh! You are be- 
ginning to feel the lash of public opinion at last. This 
Amalgamated affair has opened the eyes of the public 
and now that the people are awake, do you imagine that 
they will allow these shameful conditions to continue? 

Rodman. 
Bah ! ! These conditions have alwavs existed. 



•'THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 123 

Morton. 
That is not true. You have constructed a tariff to 
suit yourselves; 3^ou have invented a rebate system con- 
trary to law that has reaped you untold millions — 
you have perfected a system by which the savings of 
the people are diverted into your hands, and by trickery 
you defraud the public of their just dues. 

EODMAN, 

[Amazed.'] Great heavens, Morton, you don't pro- 
pose to liold me responsible for all these things, do 
you? 

Morton. 

You are but the symbol of your class, John Eod- 
man; your treachery precipitated this fight; why should 
you complain at the notoriety you have attained? 

Rodman. 

Your League of Journalists is responsible for this. 

Morton. 
[Hotly.] Yes, and they will be your undoing as 
sure as there is a sun in heaven. 

EODMAN. 

You will never live to see that day, Morton. The 
strong have ruled the world since it was made; the 
strong Avill ahvays rule; the weak must submit. 

Morton. 
Yes, the strong will rule, but the strong shall be the 
man with right upon his side. [Pause.] Six years 
ago you thought I was ruined and helpless; to-day I 
again dispute with you the control of The Amalga- 
mated Company; you must admit there is some irony 
in this. 



124 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

EODMAN. 

I do admit it; but I deny that 3'ou will succeed. 
yile rises.] 

MORTOX. 

[Also rises.] Time shall decide tliat. . 

Prof. Stratton. 
[Also rises and attempts to attract Ralph's atten- 
tion, hut Ealph, ivitli a ivave of the hand, passes him 
and crosses L.] 

Eodman. 
Yes. \ Regarding his watch a.s tJietj cross.] The 
vote will be taken at two o'clock, then you will see your 
mistake. [Pause.] Frankly, Morton, I hoped we would 
be able to come to some working agreement and cease 
this useless struggle, but I see you are as stubborn as 
ever. Tell me, what is your real reason for fighting 
me in this way? 

Morton. 
[Hotly.] We believe we are right! 

Bodman. 
[Laugliing.] Ha, ha, ha! 

Morton. 
[Continues.] Don't laugh, for there is a question of 
principle involved in this matter that you seem to 
overlook. 

Eodman. 
Nonsense ! ! 

Morton. 
You believe in the modern methods of high finance, 
graft, trickery, and deceit. We believe in a square deal, 
and if we win, it will be because we have convinced the 
public that we are right and you are wrong. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 125 

Rodman. 
Oil I Ila, ha, ha I So 3^011 are fighting for the i)uh- 
lic, eh? 

Morton. 
Yes, their cause is our own. Snch gigantic enter- 
prises are a menace to the country. 

Rodman. 
Bosh ! Concentration is the order of the da_y. Would 
it surprise you. Morton, if I told you that the directors, 
their friends and myself, actually own a control of the 
Amalgamated Company ? 

Morton. 
{(ireaily excited.] Yes, it Avould, for it is not true. 
It is not true. 

Rodman. 
[Force fully.] It is true, and you will find it out to 
your sorrow. Then you may go to the public for con- 
solation. 

Morton. 
[WoU-infj vp and doron.] I don't believe it; I don't 
believe it. [lie stops short.] And I'll tell you why. 

Rodman. 

[Suavely.] "Well, why? 

Morton. 
Because Ave have secured an immense number of 
proxies from our agents in Europe and from people in 
this country whom we never suspected owned a share. 

Rodman. 

Well? 

^lORTON. 

These, together with the verbal promises we have, 
will more than give us a majority. 



126 '-THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

EODMAN. 

Ha, lia, lia ! You don't mean to say that you count 
on verbal promises? 

Morton. 

[With conviction.^ Yes, I do, for there's a moral 
force in this campaign. We've carried the war into 
your own camp. 

EODMAN. 

[Fiercely.^ What do you mean b}'^ that? 

Morton. 
Tliat some of your own directors will vote for us. 

EODMAN. 

{Stands aghast, hut does not speak. ^ 

Morton. 
Oh, they are not all as bad as you think they are, 
Hodman. No, not by a damn sight ! 

EODMAN. 

[Choking with rage.] It's a lie! It's a lie! I'll 
soon find out who the traitors are. And when I do, I'll 
crush them; I'll have no mercy on them. They'll go by 
the board even if they are my best friends. 

Morton. 
[Tauntingly.] Oh, you'll crush them if 5^ou can, 
that's what you thought you did with me. But here 
I am to taunt you and hurl back at you the lie that you 
teach and believe. 

EODMAN. 

What's that? 

Morton, 

That the great luring motive of this world is selfish- 
ness, and that any one is a fool who counts upon any- 
thing else. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 127 

Rodman. 

And so lie is 

Morton, 

Well, you will see to-day upon what a frail founda- 
tion 3'ou have built your gigantic structure. Already 
it is tottering; soon it will fall. 

Rodman, 
[Furiously.^ We shall see; we shall see! [Laugh- 
ing wildly, he rushes out L.] Ha, ha, ha! We shall 
see ! 

[Exit Rodman R.] 

[Ralph stands transfixed an instant; Prof. 
StEx4.tton advances and grasps him hy the 
hand. At this instant Dawson enters and 
quietly takes his seat at the telephone desTc.^ 

Prof. Steatton. 
Ralph, you should not have told him that some of 
the directors would desert him. 

Ralph. 
Why? 

Prof. Stratton. 
Because he may suspect Brandt and Arnold. 

Ralph. 
I know Brandt has been very outspoken ; he may sus- 
pect him, but why should he suspect Arnold? 

Prof. Stratton. 
Because I have his proxy here for ten thousand 
shares. 

Ralph. 
[Dumbfounded.'] That is impossible, for not a half 
hour ago he refused to give it to me. 



128 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Prof. Strattox. 
[Seizing the proxy thai he has discovered.] Well, 
how do you account for this, then ? 

Ealph. 
[Dazed.] I don't knoAv. 

Prof. Stratton. 
That is his signature, is it not? 

Ralph. 
Xo, it cannot he, hut wait a moment ; we'll soon find 
out. [Calling.] Dawson! 

Dawson. 
Yes, sir. [He rises.] 

Ealph. 
Co to Mr. Arnold's office and sa}' that I must see liim 
at once. 

Dawson. 
[Surprised.] Yes. sir. 

Ralph. 
Don't waste a moment! Go!! [ffe pushes him out 
of the door.] 

[Exit Dawsox R.] 

Prof. Stratton. 
[More cahnhj.] You tliink it is a forgery? 

Ralph. 
I am certain of it. 

Prof. Strattox. 
But why sliould any one do such a thing? 

Ralph. 
Oh. T could give you a dozen reasons — hut never 
mind now. 



"THE rARTING OF THE WAYS" 129 

Prof. Stratton". 
Forgery is a serious matter, Ealph. 

Ealph. 
Yes, and if "\ve trace this to Eodman's crew, we'll 
beat them. 

Prof. Stratton. 
They must be hard pressed, to descend to such meth- 
ods. 

Ealph. 
They are, old friend ; this is the time we have them 
on the run. 

[Enter John Arnold, followed by Dawson.] 

Dawson. 
[Entering.] This way, sir. 

[As Mr. Arnold enters, Ealph advances and 
greets him cordially.] 

Ealph. 

I'm glad you've come, Arnold. 

Arnold. 

AVhat's the trouble now? 

Prof. Stratton. 
[Advancing.] We believe some one forged your 
name to this. [He hands him the proxy.] 

Arnold. 
[Surprised.] That's not my signature; I have given 
my proxy to no one. 

Ealph. 
I was sure of that. 



130 '-THE PARTING OF THE IF AYS" 

Arnold. 

[Studying the paper.] Why, this is a most palpahle 
forgeiy. I have no middle name — this is signed John 
B. Arnohl. 

Prof. Strattox. 
Oh! 

Arnold. 
Why should I give it — for only ten thousand shares, 
when I own doul)lc that amount? 

Prof. Strattox. 
[Aghast.] You own twenty thousand shares? 

Arnold. 

Yes, I have increased my holdings greatly in the last 
six years. 

Ealph. 
I thought so. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Can you imagine who has forged your name? 

Arnold. 

ISTo. How do you think it got there? 

Prof. Stratton. 
It probably came in the mail. 

Arnold. 
It's a contemptible trick to invalidate the election. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Do you think so ? 

Arnold. 
I am sure of it; give me that piece of paper and I'll 
confront John Eodman with it. [To Prof. S.] May I 
keep it? [Prof, lool's at Ealpii, who says.] 



'■THE PARTING OF THE IV AYS" 131 

Kalph. 
Yes, keep it, Arnold. You are an honest man, but 
we are sorry to see you in such bad company. 

Arnold. 

[/b'ad/?/.] And so it has come to forgery at last? 

Ealph. 
Yes, a cause built upon treachery and dishonesty 
will never hesitate to descend to still baser methods to 
succeed, until there comes a time when the whole rot- 
ten structure falls in a heap. 

Arnold. 

[Almost inaudihly.] Yes — yes 

Ealph. 

[ Firmly. 1 Arnold, that time has come I You, too, 
have come to a parting of the ways. 

Arnold. 
[Dazed.] Yes, yes. I thought I had reached that 
point six 3^ears ago. 

Ealph. 
You mean when the directors passed the dividend? 

Arnold. 
I nearly had a majority with me that day. I pleaded 
with them not to listen to Eodman, but he cracked the 
whip and they all ran to cover like a lot of frightened 
chickens. 

Ealph. 
What happened then? 

Arnold. 
I saw that I was alone. [Sadly.] There was noth- 
ing- to do but bow before the storm. 



132 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Ralph. 

And since then? 

Arnold. 

I have been considered a dangerous element in the 
directorate. 

Ealph. 

[In a hindly manner.] But matters have changed 
somewhat of late, have they not? Come, join us, 
Arnold. Let us work together and set this magnificent 
enterprise upon a solid foundation based upon honesty 
and fair dealing. Come ! ! 

Arnold. 
[Pitifully.] I dare not! I dare not. He will crush 
me; he will leave no stone unturned. 

Ealph. 
What of that? 

Arnold. 
I know him- — I fear him. 

Ealph. 
John Eodman is only a man ; why should you fear 
him? Do we look as though we feared him? [He 
puts liis hand affectionately on Arnold^s shoulder.] 

Arnold. 
[Pleading.] I'm an old man, Morton. I can't fight 
like you young men. 

Ealppi. 
Then we'll fight for you, my friend. Give us your 
proxy, and we'll take care of the rest. 

Prof. Steatton. 
Your opportunities are great. Mr. Arnold. A stigma 
of forgery now rests upon the people with whom you 



-THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 133 

are associated — Avho can foresee what the new develop- 
ment may be? 

Arnold. 

[With hoived head.] I know — I know. 

Prof. Stratton. 
You cannot afford to be associated with such men. 

Arnold. 

[Takes out his handkerchief and wipes the perspira- 
tion from his forehead.] Yes — I know that — but • 

[He hesitates.] 

Ralph. 
Give me a blank proxy, Professor. 

[Prof. Stratton hands him one. Ralph rap- 
idly fills it in, saying.] 
You own twenty thousand shares, do you not? 

Arnold. 

[Staiids irresolute, hut nods in assent.] 

Ralph. 
[Handing him the proxy.] There 

Arnold. 

[Loolis at it fearfully, then folds it, saying, aside.] 

I dare not 

Prof. Stratton. 
Courage, my good man, courage. 

Ralph. 
Sign that, Arnold, and you'll give John Rodman an 
answer he can understand. 

Arnold. 
[In a trembling voice.] He'll crush us all. He's a 
hard man. No, no; I must first be sure that we have 
majority. 



134 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Ealph. 

[Joyfully.] Ha, ha. ha! Well, 1113^ friend, I'll con- 
vince yon of that in short order when I get yon at the 
meeting. [To Pkof. Stratton.] Call the operator, 
Professor. 

Prof. Stratton. 
[Presses a hutton at tlie side of his desk and an elec- 
tric hell rings off scene; instantly the operator appears 
at staircase and descends, awaiting orders.] 

Ealph. 
[Eapidly to Prof. Stratton.] Quick, give me those 
proxies; don't miss one of them. [The Professor 
hands him the packet.] Send this message to every 
one of our branch offices. [Exultantly.] Flash the 
news from Maine to Florida and from the Atlantic 
to the Pacific. "Buy Amalgamated — it's a hundred to 
one we win !" [He seizes his hat from his desk, takes 
Arnold hy the arm and scmjs.] Come, Arnold; let us 
go to the meeting. There's going to be a change in the 
directorate of The Amalgamated Company to-day. And 
you are the man who will make it possible. Come ! 

[As Ralph and Arnold pass toioard the door 
R., Prof. Stratton rises and hands the 
Operator a telegram. He takes it, and in- 
stantly flashes the message. As he does so the 
weird glare of the electric spark lights the 
room, and the curtain descends as the Profes- 
sor sits intently vjatching the Operator.] 
[Exeunt Ealph and Arnold R.] 

CUETAIN". 



'•THE PARTING OF THE JFAYS' 135 

ACT IV. 

Scene. 

The drawing-room of Mrs. Morton's palatial resi- 
dence. Riverside Drive, Aciv YorJc City. The flat 
at hacJc shotvs the Palisades in the distance and 
the Hudson River with its traffic and myriad of 
lights in the foreground. The drawing-room is 
supposed to he located on the second story of the 
residence. At the hack of this large room is an 
immense casement loindoiv, which, when open, 
discloses a balcony ivitli stone balustrade overloolc- 
ing the Drive and its concourse. On the right and 
left of this large casement windoiv are boolccases. 
Rich damash ciwtains operating on brass rods are 
draivn across the windows. On the right side of 
the draiving-room is a handsome fireplace, before 
wliich there is placed a Morris chair in rich up- 
holstery. A door on right, beyond the fireplace, 
leads to the library, and a door on left opposite to 
the staircase and hallway. A table and three chairs 
are located left, and an electric lamp, shaded by a 
handsome glass globe, rests upon the table. The 
furnishing of this room denotes excellent taste and 
refinement. It is not lighted by the old chande- 
lier system, but by a number of electric sconces, 
which are shaded by sill-. These give a rich, warm, 
gloiv to the room. 

Time. 

Eight o'clocl-, the evening of the same day. Autumn, 

1909. 

Discovered. 
]\fRS. Morton is seated before the handsome fireplace in 
the Alorris chair, and .Agnes Imeels beside her, 



136 -'THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

reading from a hook ivliich she rests upon the lap 
of Mrs. Morton. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Oh, how beautiful; read the passage again, Agnes. 

Enter Marte. 

[As Marie enters, Mrs. Morton observes her 
and motions to Agnes^ saying.] 

Mrs. Morton. 
Wait a moment, Agnes. 

Marie. 
Shall we keep the table set for Mr. Morton? It's 
eight o'clock. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Certainly. 

[Exit Marie R.] 

Mrs. Morton. 
Will he never come? 

Agnes. 
You should not worr}' so, Auntie. 

Mrs. Morton. 
I can't help it, my child. 

Agnes. 
The decisive battle was to be fought to-day. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Aye, but had Ealph won? 

Agnes. 
I am certain of it. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" i37 

Mrs. Morton. 
Then, avIiv does he not come to tell us so? 

Agnes. 
[Kindly. \ Be patient, Aimtie; he will come. 

Mrs. Morton. 

Yes; yes. [She motions to Agnes to continue 7-ead- 
ing.] 

Agnes. 

[Reading slowly and distinctly.] To live content 
with small means. To seek elegance rather than luxury, 
and refinement rather than fashion. To he worthy, not 
respectable, and wealthy, not rich. To study hard, 
thinlv quietly, talk gently, act frankly. To listen to 
stars and birds, to babes and sages with open heart. To 
hear all cheerfully, do all bravely. Await occasions. 

Hurry never [She stops and looks up in Mrs. 

Morton's face.] 

Mrs. Morton. 

[Dreamily.] How beautiful!! 

Agnes. 
[Repeating.] Hurry, never! Ha, ha, ha! Why, 
even Dr. Channing must consider that a joke; cer- 
tainly he could not have been thinking of Wall Street 
when he wrote that. 

Mrs. Morton. 

No, my child; great souls such as his live in another 
world — far, far from the madding throng that frequent 
the money mart, the so-called world of high finance. 

Re-enter Marie. 

Marie. 

[Announciiig.] Dr. Frederick Thompson. 



138 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Mrs. Morton. 
Show him in at once^ Marie. 

Marie. 
He's coining, ma'am. [Blie lools off L.] 

Agnes. 
[Arising.] Ah, now we shall have the news. 

Ejiter Dr. Frederick Thompson. 

[He enters gleefully and hears an evening 
''Standard" in his hand.] 

Dr. Thompson. 
[Joyfully as he advances.] We've won. We've won. 
See, here is the evening paper. Eead it. 

Agnes. 
[Seizing the paper.] Quick, quick; let me see it. 

Dr. Thompson. 
Eead Stratton's editorial if you want to know all 
about it. [Pointing out the article.] There!! Why, 
that editorial has made a sensation. Oh, I think Eod- 
man and his friends are beginning to have a healthy re- 
spect for public opinion now. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Where is Ealph, Doctor? 

Dr. Thompson. 
He and Stratton are coming together. I left the 
meeting as soon as the new Board was formed. Think 
of it — I am now a director in the great Amalgamated 
Steel & Iron Company. 

Mrs. Morton, 
[Surprised.] Indeed? 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 139 

Dr. Thompson. 
Yes, Ealpli is President, and Stratton Treasurer. At 
last we hold control. 

Mrs. Morton. 
That is good news. Doctor ! ! 

Dr. Thompson. 
[Advancing.] Have you no congratulations to offer, 
Miss Hampton? Surely, Ralph's victory means much 
to you. 

Agnes. 

Yes 

Dr. Thompson. 
[Slyly.] A wedding, eh? A blushing bride in tulle 
and orange blossoms 

iVoNES. 

Yes — it means everything to me. 

Dr. Thompson. 
How long have you and Ralph been engaged ? 

Agnes. 
Six long years. 

Dr. Thompson. 
Why have you not been married before? 

Agnes. 
Neither he nor T wished it whilst his great purpose re- 
mained Tinfuliilled. 

Dr. Thompson. 
But now that he has won? 

Agnes. 
He will keep his word [Slowly] and the promise he 
made me the day we became engaged. 



140 '•THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Dr. Thompson. 
WTiat was that? 

Agnes. 
To withdraw the Company forever from specula- 
tion. 

De. Thompson. 
Ah ! But will he ? 

Agnes. 
Yes, I am sure he will. 

Dr. Thompson. 

[Their conversation is interrupted by voices off 
scene L.] 
Why, I believe that is Ralph now. [He passes L.] 

[Enter Ralph Morton, accompanied by Prof. 
W. Stratton. They are heard laughing off 
scene and enter L., arm in arm, in great glee. 
Ralph advances at once to his mother, and 
takes her lovingly in his arms as she rises. 
Prof. Stratton crosses to Agnes and greets 
her ivarndy, then nods to Dr. Thompson.] 

Ralph. 
[Exult in gly.] Mother, mother; we've won; we've 
won. [She remains in his embrace an instant.] 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Quietly.] I've heard, Ralph. 

Ralph. 
But you cannot realize what this means to me, 
Mother. It means victory, success. Success for hon- 
esty in — business. 

Mrs. Morton. 

[Regarding him. lovingly.] Yes? 



•'THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 141 

Ealph. 
[Rapidly.] Mother, I did wonders Avhen I won Ar- 
nold over. Oh, you should have seen Eodman when 
Arnold and I walked into the meeting, arm in arm. I 
thought he would choke with rage. He denounced us 
as traitors, until we cut him short and demanded the 
vote. Ha, ha, ha I AA'Tiy, he even tried to challenge the 
election. 

Mrs. Mortox. 
What ? 

Ralph. 
Oh, but we had the votes. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Well ! 

Ealph. 

Then he came over to me and said : Morton, you 
have beaten me; what do you propose to do, now that 
you are in control? 

Mrs. Mortox. 
And Avhat did you say? 

Ealph. 
That I would put the Company on a dividend-paying 
basis, and treat every investor alike. 

Mrs. Mortox. 
What did he say to that? 

Ealph. 
He actually laughed at me and told me I was a fool ! 
a fool ! 

Mrs. Mortox. 
Indeed ! 

Ealph. 
Well, time shall prove which of us is the fool. 



142 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Prof. Stratton. 
You will come out all right, Ealpli; men like Eod- 
man can lose a million and never miss it, but when you 
show them to the world in their true light, they recog- 
nize that public opinion means something. 

Ealph. 

Yes, that's it — public opinion. The country is weary 
of the graft and corruption that pervades all lines of 
endeavor; a cry has gone up for honest}' — simple, old- 
fashioned honesty. 

Dr. Thompsox. 

The people want a square deal ! 

Prof. Stratton. 
Yes, and I predict they are going to get it. See 
what we have done with our "Standard" and a few 
thousand dollars. 

Ealph. 
God knows it's a great victory, but until we have 
Eodman converted to our ways of doing business there 
is danger. He is still a power in the financial world. 
Eemember that. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Not such a power as he thinks. Why, see how the 
advance in Amalgamated swept all before it to-dav. 

Ealph. 

\Reflecting.] That was something unprecedented, 
and what I cannot understand is that the advance 
started an half hour before the vote was announced. 

Dr. Thompson. 

[Cynically.] There is no accounting for the vagaries 
of the Stock Exchange. 



"THE. PARTING OF THE WAYS" 143 

Ealpii. 
[Vexed.] I beg your pardon. Doctor; there is. 
Every effect has a cause. 1 would give a good deal to 
know who rushed the market to-day. 

Prof. Steatton. 
So you think some powerful interests have been oper- 
ating with us. 

Ealppi. 
I am certain of it — but who they were or upon what 
information they operated beats me. Why, even we 
ourselves \\'ere not sure of victory until the vote was 
counted. 

Prof. Stratton. 
No doubt we shall learn the cause in time. 
Enter Marie and later Eeginald Eodman. 

Marie. 
Young Mr. Eodman to see Mr. Morton. 

Ealph. 

[Sumcivliat mir prised.] I shall go and see what he 
wants. 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Eising.] iSTo, Ealph; ask him up; Agnes and I 
will go into the library. Come, Agnes, and bring your 
book with you. [To Dr. Thompson.] I hope you 
and the Professor will Join us in a cup of tea before you 
leave. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Thank you. 

Dr. Thompson. 
I shall be delighted. 

[Exeunt Mrs. Morton and Agnes to library R. 
They pass into the library and Marie has 



144 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS'' 

started toward the door L., when Eeginald 
EODMAN enters. His face is flushed, and it is 
evident that he is slightly intoxicated. In a 
most effusive manner, he says.] 

Reginald. 
Ah, there you are. Mr. Morton. Ha, ha, ha ! You 
are the hero of the day. You're the real thing. Ha, 
ha, ha ! Didn't we wallop them ? 

Ealph. 

Yes, yes. [He regards him disdainfully.] I fear 
you have had too much champagne, Eeggie. 

Reginald. 
Oh, we only had a bottle. 

Ralph. 
[Beprovingly.] Only a bottle? And you came here 
to tell me that? • 

Reginald. 
Ha, ha, ha ! Oh, dear, no. I came here to thank 
you. 

Ralph. 
Thank me? For what? 

Reginald. 
For letting me in on the ground floor. 

Ralph. 
How so? I never gave yoii any advice. 

Reginald. 
[Tauntingly.] Then, I suppose I haven't anything 
to thank you for, eh ? 

Ralph. 
[Irritated.] No; not in the least. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 145 

Eeginald. 

Ha, ha^ ha I That's a good joke. 

Ralph. 
A joke? \^Aside.] Pshaw, he's drimk. 

EEGI^^ALD. 

Yes, a joke. Isn't Amalgamated hack where it was 
six years ago? 

Ralph. 
Yes. 

Reginald. 
"Well, who put it there? 

Ralph. 
I did, as miicli as any man. 

Prof. SxRATTOisr. 
Oh, hut how al)out the "Standard"? 

Reginald. 
Bosh! hnt who tipped the hoys off? 

Ralph. 
The news was pnl)lic property when we sent it ont. 

Reginald. 
But the stock had already advanced twenty points. 
Ha, ha, ha ! How do you account for that ? 

Ralph. 

[TiefJecfing.] That's something that puzzles me. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Tlie young scamp knows more than he will tell. 



146 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Reginald. 
[Tauniinghj.] Ye gods, you, the captain and or- 
ganizer of the Amalgamated campaign, can't tell how it 
all happened. Ha. ha, ha ! That's a good joke. 

Ealph. 
[Vexed.] No, I can't. 

Eeginald. 
Ha, ha, ha ! Well, I can tell you how it happened. 

Ralph. 
[Lool:s straight at Reginald.] How? 

Reginald. 
You gave me the tip. 

Ralph. 

Nonsense 

Reginald. 
Yes, while you were thinking about the dear pub- 
lic. Van Brunt and Porter, a few friends and myself, 
went in and picked up several millions. Ha, ha, ha ! 
That's why I've come to thank you. 

Ralph. 
So yovi rushed the market, eh? How did you know 
that we had a majorit}^? 

Reginald. 
Oh ! Ha, ha, ha ! AVell, never mind. High finance 
is a great game, but I am learning it little by little. 
You must look out for yourself first, Morton. Let the 
public take care of themselves, you know 

Ralph. 
You've been gamblino: on our raining control? 



'•THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 147 

Eeginald. 
[Regarding him.] Eh? [Nonchalantly.] Oh, there 
wasn't much of a gamble about it. 

Ralph. 
Then you knew how many proxies we had? 

Reginald. 
No, but I knew the governor was worried stiff when 
Brandt deserted him, and I knew that if you could 
win Arnold over, you had the governor beat. 

Ralph. 

[Hotly.] And you didn't consider that a gamble ? 

Reginald. 
Xo — not when you know them all as well as I do. 

Ralph. 
So that's it, eh? Well, I consider you an infernal 
gambler. Even I myself was not certain that we would 
win until Arnold supported us. 

Reginald. 
But he backed you up, didn't he ? 

Ralph. 
Yes. 

Reginald. 
Well, I knew he would. Ha, ha, ha ! And yet you 
call that a gamble? 

Ralph. 
Yes, an infernal gamble. It's time for decent men to 
get out of business when a cub like you can make a 
million in a few minutes. 

Reginald. 
That's high finance for you, Morton ! 



148 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Ealph. 

[Furiously.^ High finance, eh? Well, it's a rotten 
game, when such things can happen. It's time I got 
out of Wall Street. 

Eeginald. 

[Alarmed.] Oh, don't do that, Mr. Morton; don't 
do that. We need men like yon to look after the in- 
terests of the dear public. 

Ealph. 

While yon and your friends feather your own nests. 

No, by heavens ! ! 

Eeginald. 

But every share we bought to-day helped boom Amal- 
gamated. Didn't it ? 

Ealph. 

Yes, but if to-morrow you and your thimble-rigging 
crowd could make a dollar by fighting us, you would 
sell us out and laugh in our faces. 

Eeginald. 

Oh ! Don't borrow trouble, Mr. Morton. We'll stick 
by you. 

Ealph. 

Ha, ha, ha ! Oh, you will ! Yet you've been operat- 
ing against your own father. [Forcefully^] I'll drive 
every Wall Street shark out of our company or I'll quit 
the game. 

Prof. Stratton. 

[Advanchuj to Eeginald.] How did your father 
take his defeat, Mr. Eeginald? 

Eeginald. 
Oh ! He's sore, sore, sore ! ! ! 



'•THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 149 

Pkof. Stratton. 
Does he know you have been operating against him? 

Reginald. 
JS'ot yet. 

Prof. Stratton. 
Well, your actions Avill not help matters between you 
and him. 

Eeginald. 
He would have done just as I did, if he had been 
in my place. 

Prof. Stratton. 
I doubt it. 

Reginald. 

Yes, he would. Xo — I'll tell you what he's sore 
about. 

Prof. Stratton. 
^\^lat ? 

Reginald. 
That editorial in this evening's ^'Standard." 

Prof. Stratton. 
Oh, ho ! ! 

Reginald. 
Yes, he told me so. He said that was the only game 
he couldn't beat. Oh, you would be sorry for the gov- 
ernor if you saw him to-night. 

[He ivalJcs imstcculily up scene, while Ralph 
crosses to Prof. Stratton.] 

Ralph. 
[Earnestly to Prof. Stratton.] I should like to 
see Rodman. 

Prof. Stratton. 
But why? 



150 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Ealph. 
Perhaps I can open his eyes to the rottenness of our 
present speculative methods. 

Prof. Steatton. 
You'll never do that, Ealph. 

Ealppi. 
[To Prof. Stratton.] Well, I intend to try. [He 
crosses to Eeginald.] You said a few moments ago 
that you were indebted to me for the pile you made 
to-day. [Reginald nods in assent.] Well, you can re- 
pay me in a very simple way if you wish. 

Eeginald. 
[Surpnsed.] Eh I How? 

Ealph. 
By bringing vour father here to-night — can you do 
that? 

Eeginald. 
Ha, ha, ha ! Well, I can try. [Pause.] What shall 
I tell him? 

Ealph. 
Tell him we wish to see him on an important matter. 

Eeginald. 
Oh, that won't work. I understand these matters 
better than you do. I'll tell him you have a proposi- 
tion to make him. 

Ealph. 
No ! Don't lie about it. 

Eeginald. 
[Going.] Well, you want me to bring him here, 
don't you? 

Ealph. 
Yes. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 151 

Reginald. 
Then leave the matter to me. 1^11 have him here in 
ten minutes. 

Ralph. 

But no lying, mind you. 

Reginald. 
[Exits, laughing.] Ha, ha, ha! Just leave that to 
me. 

[Exit Reginald L.] 
Ee-enter Mes. Morton a^id Agnes Hampton. 
They enter, aiin in arm, from the library 
right.] 

Ralph. 
[Joyfully.] Mother, mother, I have good news for 
you. 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Looking up in his face.] Yes, Ralph? 

Ralph. 
I expect John Rodman here in a few moments. 

Mrs. Morton. 
John Rodman coming here? I hoped you and he 
had parted company forever. 

Ralph. 
Yes, yes. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Then, why do you wish to see him? You and your 
friends are in control. 

Ralph. 

For the present, yes — but I am looking forward now 
to the future. 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Anxiously.] I do not imderstand. 



152 -THE PARTING Of THE WAYS" 

Ealpii. \ 

Eodman is still a man to be reckoned with; you 
know, he owns over thirty-five thousand shares. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Well? 

Ealph. 

He is very bitter against nic;. 

Mrs. Morton. 
That is natural. 

R ALP 11. 

What we have won l)y force, must be maintained by 
force, unless he is conciliated. 

Mrs. Morton. 

You will never do that, Ealph. 

EALni. 

It must Ijc done, mother. 

Mrs. Morton. 

[Patheticalhj.] This fight will be your undoing yet. 

Ealpii. 
That is to be seen. We are in control, but we must 
do more. We must secure a majority of the stock and 
place it where neither Eodman nor the bandits of Wall 
Street can attack it. 

Mrs. Morton. 
You cannot expect John Eodman to help you after 
the humiliation you have imposed upon him. 

Ealpii. 
T am not so certain of that. He ought to know that 
the most stable companies are not quoted on the ex- 
chano'c. 



'■THE FARTIXG OF THE WAYS" 153 

Mrs. j\roRToy. 
ISTo, liis pride ■would not permit it. 

Ealpii. 
I can try. I am determined to put corporation busi- 
ness on an honest basis. It is the only way to protect 
the public. 

Mrs. Morton. 
I fear the public is more to you than your home, 
your sweetheart, or your — mother 

liALPIl. 

Ah, don't say that. 

Mrs. Morton. 

Ah I But 'tis true. 

Ealppi. 
No, mother, 'tis not true. [Pause.] I must make 
our company a model to the whole financial world. 

Mrs. Morton. 

I hope you may, Kalph, but you owe something to 
us. [Pointing to Agnes, tvho lias silently ivitlidrawn 
and is loohing out of the iciiidoiv.] Have you forgot- 
ten her? 

Ealph. 

I owe her everything, mother. Why, she's the 
bravest little woman in the world. Yes, and we'll he 
married yet, but not until this Amalgamated business 
is settled once and for all. 

Mrs. Morton. 
[Sadhj.] When will that be, Ealpli? 

Ealppi. 
When Eodman becomes a friend and helps us tight 
for honest business methods. [Pause.] The men who 
have made this countrv great miist also make it good. 



154 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Mrs. Mortojvt. 
Then I fear the matter will never be settled? 

Ealph. 
Yes, it will, mother ; the men of wealth must be made 
to do their duty, for the great mass of people are in- 
capable of solving the grave problems that confront us. 
When men like Eodman join us and fight for the right, 
instead of the wrong, then we shall have a better world. 

Mrs. Morton. 

[Shakes her head douhtfuUy.] 

Re-enter Marie. 

Marie. 

[To Mrs. Morton.] The tea is served. 

Mrs. Morton. 
Thank you. Marie. [To the others.] Come, Doc- 
tor ; come, Professor ! 

[They pass into the Library R. Mrs. Morton 
going first, the Professor and Doctor fol- 
lowing her.] 

[Ealph advances toward Agnes, whom he ob- 
serves at the casement ivindow; before he 
reaches her, however, she turns and greets 
him. As she does so, she brushes her hand- 
Jcerchief across her eyes and tries to smile. 
Seeing this, Ealpii puts his arm lovingly 
around her.] 

Ealph. 

Crying? Why, this is no time for tears. Come, my 
little sweetheart; we shall be married, and that quite 
soon. Did vou overhear our conversation? 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 155 

Agnes. 
Yes! [Looking up in his face.] 

Kalph. 
Come, let us sit before the fire. 

[They cross R. Ralph rolls the large Morris 
chair before the fire and places Agnes in it. 
He then sits upon the arm of the chair and 
puts his arm around her. Then looJcing in 
her face, he says.] 

What do you think, little woman? 

Agnes. 
[Hesitates and then says sloivly.] I don't think you 
can win Mr. Eodman over to your way of doing busi- 
ness. 

Ealph. 
I think 1 can, if you will help me. 

Agnes. 



But liow can I ? 
I'll show you. 
Well? 



Ealph. 

Agnes. 



Ealph. 
[Rapidly.] I believe that Eodman begins to see his 
mistake. For the first time in his life he has found 
men opposed to him whom he can neither browbeat, 
cajole, nor buy. We have beaten him by courage and 
honesty, but our success has left him embittered against 

UP. 

Agnes. 
Well? 



156 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Ealph. 

In business he has always maintained that sentiment 
plays no part, yet in his heart he surely believes other- 
wise. 

Agnes. 

Do you think so? 

Ralph. 
I am sure of it, and if you can help to win him to 
our cause, you will have accomplished more than we 
all have done in the last six years. 

Agnes. 
He has not felt very kindly toward me since I gave 
my fortune to you to start a press campaign against 
him. 

Ealph. 
Perhaps not, but I'll bet he admires you for your 
pluck. 

Agnes. 



Do you think so? 
Yes. 



Ealph. 



Agnes. 
Then I shall try. [A noise is heard witliout.] Hark. 
I thought I heard a cab. [She passes to the casement 
windoiv and Tool's out.'] No, I must have been mis- 
taken. 

[She 7101V throivs the ivindow wide open, and 
the hriUiant concourse and Hudson River 
come in view. The scene is supcrh and 
Agnes says gleefully.] 

Look, Ealph; is that not beautiful? Come, breathe 
the fresh air; it will' help to hlow your cares away. 



■'THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 157 

[Ralph follows her out upon ilie balcony. At 
this instant a military hand is heard flaying 
in the distance. They stand in view of the 
audience an instant and as the music dies aivay 
they pass to the right of the halcony, leaving 
the casement open; by this manoeuvre they are 
still "en scene/' but out of vieio from the 
audience.^ 

[Enter Johis" Eodman, accompanied by Regi- 
nald Rodman.] 

Marie. 

[Shoivs ihem in from B., and as she does so, she 
takes Mr. Rodman's hat and coat. She then notices 
the open casement windoio, crosses and closes it, then 
turns and says.^ 

I shall tell Mr. Morton. [She enters the library.'] 

[Exit Marie R.] 

Rodman. 

[Takes a chair, places it R. C and seats himself. 

He then withdraws his handkerchief from his pocket, 

wipes his brow, replaces it, and sits tvith his head bowed, 

his hands covering his face in a most dejected manner.] 

Reginald. 

[Noting the despair of his father, comes up to his 
side and slaps him, affectionately on the back, saying.] 
Oh, buck lip. clad ; buck up. It isn't as bad as all that. 

Rodman. 

[Shakes his head sadly, saying.] No, no 

Reginald. 
Pshaw ! Don't worry so. I've made a pile to-day, 
even if vou haven't. 



IS8 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

EODMAN. 

[Surprised.] So you've been speculating, eli? 

Eeginald. 
[Apologetically.'] Oh, only a little flyer, dad, but 
that helps square things. 

Rodman. 

[Turyis on Mm sharply.] No, it does not. Do you 
think I'm worrying about money now, you fool ? 

Reginald. 

[Surprised.] Oh ! ! 

Rodman. 

No, I've all the money I want [Pause] and 

more. No, it's not that. 

Reginald. 
What then ? 

Rodman. 
They've touched my pride. [Withdraiving a ropy of 
"The Standard" and pointing to the editorial.] They've 
created a powerful sentiment against me, and to-day 
John Watts served notice that I need not expect him 
to help float any more companies. [Laughing bitterly.] 
Ha, ha, ha ! "\Vliat do you think of that ? 

Reginald. 
[Hotly.] He's a damned hypocrite, 

Rodman. 
Of course he is. Just the same when the news goes 
forth to-night that I've lost control and am deposed as 
president, we'll lose prestige with the big firms in the 
street; then we'll be cut socially. [Laughing hitterly.] 
Ha, ha, ha ! Do you know what that means ? 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 159 

Eeginald. 
[Mucli tvorried.] Yes ! Yes. 

[At this moment the casement window is heard 
to open sliglitly.] 
Hush ! 

EODMAN. 

[Arises and looks in the direction of the casement 
windoiv, and sees Ealph and x\gnes.] 

Eeginald. 
Dad, I'll leave 5^ou and come back after you have 
seen him. [Pointing to Morton.] Maybe he has 
some suggestion to make. 

EODMAN. 

[Assents and Eeginald passes quietly out L.] 

[Ealph and Agnes now re-enter from the bal- 
cony, closing the casement behind them. Both 
are surprised at seeing Mr. Eodman alone.] 

Ealph. 
[Advancing.] Ah ! I'm glad you've come, Eodman. 
[He offers his hand.] 

Eodman. 

[Sullenly refusing, saying.] No, thank you. 

Agnes. 
[Noiu advances and says cheerfully.] I'm glad to 
see you, Mr. Eodman. [She offers him her hand.] 
Won't you shake hands with me? [Pause.] You were 
my guardian once, you know. 

Eodman. 
[Does not take her hand, but crosses.] Yes, and you 
repaid me for my kindness by giving your fortune to 



i6o "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Morton there to start "The Standard." Why did you 
do that? 

Agnes, 
Because I believed he was right. 

EODMAN. 

Oh ■ 

Agnes. 
And because I love him. 

EODMAN. 

Ah ! I see — an affair of the heart — a matter of sen- 
timent. {Kindly.^ Well, I bear you no ill will. [He 
shaTces her hy the hand.] 

Agnes. 
"\Miy cannot you and Mr. Morton be friends? 

EODMAN. 

Impossible. This afternoon I offered him peace, but 
he refused it. To-night his paper, "The Standard," 
openly attacks me. N^o, we have never been further 
apart than at this moment. 

Agnes. 
Oil, but there must be a way to settle this matter. 

EODMAN. 

I see none. 

Agnes. 
I think you both misunderstand each other. 

EODMAN. 

[Sulle7ily.] No. 

Agnes. 
I hope this may not prove so. I do, indeed. 



"THE FARTING OF THE WAYS" ' i6i 

EODMAN. 

We shall see. 

[Re-enter Marie from library right.] 

Marie. 
The tea is served, Miss Hampton. 

Agnes. 
Will 3'on join us, Mr. Eodman? 

EODMAN. 

No, thank you. 

[Exit Agnes and Marie; they pass into the 

lihrary E.] 
[After Agnes has passed out Eodman turns to 
Ealph aiid says.] 

Eodman, 

You wish to see me, Morton? 

Ealph. 

Take a seat, will you? [He offers him a chair.] 

Eodman. 

[Curtly.] ISTo, thank you. [They cross.] Let us 
get down to business. Why do you wish to see me? 

Ealph, 
[Someivhat reiujfed.] I think it is time we discard 
our differences and come together on the right basis. 

Eodman, 

[Cynically.] You mean the moral basis of "The 
Standard"?" 

Ealph. 
Yes. 



i62 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

EODMAX. 

[Dry] I/.] Xo, you wanted control. Well, now you 
have it — go it alone, and keep it if you can. 

RALrpi. 
I am not trying to shirk my responsihilities, Mr. 
Rodman, liut I believe no matter is settled until it is 
settled right. 

EODMAN. 

What do you mean? You and your friends are in 
control, are you not? 

Ralph. 
Yes. 

Rodman. 
Well, what more do you want? 

Ralph. 

I Avant you to join us and support our policy. 

Rodman. 

You are joking? 

Ralph. 
ISTo, I am not. 

Rodman. 
Then you have lost all sense of humor. You don't 
expect me to join you and su]3port a policy that I know 
to he absurd after fighting you and your friends for 
six years. 

Ralph. 
Yes. I do, for I am certain that you believe in your 
heart that our policy is right. 

Rodman. 

I Ijelievc nothing of the kind, and the day will come 
when you Avill have a rude awakening. 



'•THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 163 

Ealph. 
Wliat do you mean? 

EODMAN. 

You have chosen to put your faith in the jjublic — 
for the moment they are with you, but they will dis- 
card you and your lofty ideals the moment their selfish 
interests are better served by another. 

Ralph. 
I don't believe it. 

Rodman, 
Wait until the company has a reverse, and you will 
have abundant proof of it. 

Ralph. 
I hope not. 

Rodman. 
You will discover 3^our mistake. [Pause.] I want to 
tell you something, Morton ; you would not listen to me 
this afternoon; perhaps you will listen to me now. 

Ralph. 

[Again offers Jiim a chair. This time Rodman ac- 
cepts and seats himself. Ralph takes another chair 
and sits beside him.] 

Well? 

Rodman. 

Who are these people in whom you take so much in- 
terest ? I mean these stockholders ? 

Ralph. 

They are our partners — at least, that is the way they* 
should be considered. 

Rodman. 

Kot at all. They are a mob who are trying to get 
rich without work. Will you admit that there is not 



i64 '•THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

one among the thousands of shareholders with intelli- 
gence enough to conceive, much less organize, the gi- 
gantic trust that you and I launched with such success ? 

Ealph. 

[Shrugs Ms shoulders, hut does not answer.] 

Rodman. 
Will you admit that? 

Ealph. 
I will not deny it. 

Rodman. 

Ah ! ! Good I ! Well, then, will you tell me why wo 
should be so considerate of this mob — what have they 
done to create the wealth that we have produced by 
our genius and energy? 

Ralph. 
They have loaned us their money. 

Rodman. 
What else? 

Ralph. 
Nothing. 

Rodman. 
Good ! You admit that. Well, as far as I am con- 
cerned, they are mere pawns in the game. 

Ralph, 

And yet these pawns, as you call them, have given my 
friends and myself control. 

Rodman. 

Yes, because you promised them six per cent. 



■'THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 165 

Ralph. 
Yes, I promised them that when they invested and I 
shall keep my word. 

EODMAN. 

That will depend upon business conditions, not upon 
the stockholders. You have a big contract ahead of 
you, Morton. 

Ealph. 

I am well aware of that — and that is why I wish you 
to join us. I have never underestimated your ability. 

EODMAN. 

I am glad to hear that. 

Ralph. 

Besides, you are the largest single stockholder in the 
Company. 

Rodman. 

And my holdings suddenly dropped upon the market 
would create a flurry. Eh? 

Ralph. 
Yes. 

• Rodman. 
Well, I have no intention of biting my nose off to 
spite my face. Ko, I'll bide my time. Waves of re- 
form come and go, human nature remains the same. 

Ralph. 
A cynical belief that. 

Rodman". 
Perhaps, but true nevertheless. [Pause.] Morton. 
I am a much older man than you, I have seen more of 
the w^orld, I could never have achieved what I have, if 



i66 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

I had depended upon the generosity of human nature. 
No, this is a selfish workl and he who appeals to self- 
interest always wins. 

Ralph. 
Did Brandt and Arnold consider their hest interests 
when they deserted you? 

Rodman. 

You will admit they have lost nothing? 

Ralph. 
Bah ! ! They acted from principle, 

Rodman. 
Ha, ha, ha ! ^\^iy, we all act from principle, 
Morton. You have your convictions. I have mine; 
only there is the distance of the jjoles between us. That 
is wh}^ Ave never can agree. 

Ralph. 
We can't agree because you believe in man's baseness 
and selfishness; I, in his loftier generous nature. 

Rodman. 
I am not a philosopher, Morton. Tell me why you 
refused my offer this afternoon? 

Ralph. 
I was not in control then, but now 

Rodman. 
It is different, eh? 

Ralph. 
Yes. [He arises and ipuis Ms hand kindly on Rod- 
man's shoulder.] Join us, accept our policy, and let 
us make the Amalgamated Company a monument to 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 167 

yourself, for without you it would never have existed. 
{Pause], Eodman, the policy of the square deal has 
come to stay. 

Eodman. 
Ha, ha. ha I The square deal? It seems to me I've 
heard that expression before. 

Ealph. 
You have. 

Eodman. 

And you believe that if we accept this policy we shall 
succeed ? 

Ealph. 
[^yit]l conviction.] I am absolutely certain of it. 

EODMAX. 

[Seriously.] I wish I could have your confidence. 

Ealph. 

The events of the last four 3'ears should convince 
you that we are right. 

Eodman. 

[Hesitates, then says.] No, I judge the future by 
tlie past. 

Ealph. 
That is not always wise. 

Eodman. 
Perhaps. [Pause.] You know I was taught to be- 
lieve the ideals for which you contend — but experience 
convinced me of my error. 

Ealph. 

[Kindhj.] What led you to lose faith? 



i68 -THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

EODMAN. 

Listen and I will tell you. 

[Kalph takes his seat again ivliile IiODMAN 
speahs.^^ 

At an early age I entered the oil business in Penn- 
sylvania. I was employed by a large firm as shipping 
agent. In those days you will remember all transporta- 
tion was by water. We shipped immense quantities of 
oil by boat from Pittsburgh to St. Louis, and the com- 
petition to that point eventually l^ecame very keen. 
Well ! I soon discovered that our firm was being un- 
dersold, and as our competitors were small firms, who 
could neither buy nor refine the oil as cheaply as we 
could — I determined to discover the cause. 

Ealpii. 

And what was the result? 

PODMAX. 

I discovered that our competitors were receiving gen- 
erous rebates upon their shipments, and by these means 
were able to undersell us. I placed the matter before 
our firm, and they gave me authority to act. 

Palph. 

Well? 

PODMAN^. 

The upshot of the matter was that I made a private 
contract with the Transportation Company that enabled 
us to undersell every competitor in the trade. 

Palph. 

You outbid your competitors? 

PODMAN. 

Yes. The result was instantaneous — we secured con- 
trol of the market. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 169 

Ealpii. 
But where is the moral in all this? 

EODMAN. 

I Avill show you. Our competitors bought the freight 
agent. I went them one better— I bought the President 
of the Transportation Company. 

Ealph. 

Still I fail to see your point. 

EODMAX. 

I had heretofore believed that men occupying posi- 
tions of trust were beyond reproach, but it is not so. 

Ealph. 
I am sorry to hear that. 

EODMAX. 

Yes, it was a rude awakening. The argument of 
self-interest never failed. 

Ealph. 
You mean you bribed these officials ? 

EODMAN. 

I prefer to say we bought them — and we bought 
them cheap. As soon as the success of our Company 
became known and I was elected President of a large 
Trust Company in St. Louis. 

Ealph. 

And you employed the same methods there? 

EODMAN. 

When it became necessary. If legislation was 
wanted, we bought a congressman or a senator; the 
principle was always the same — we appealed to their 
self-interest. 



I/O "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Ealph. 
Then you found your argument always successful ? 

EODMAN. 

Yes. "Every man had his j^rice.'^ 

Ealph. 

And if his price was excessive? 

EODMAN. 

Then we fought him. 

Ealph. 

[Ironicalhj.] Oh ! Then you had to fight some — 
times. 

EODMAN. 

What of that, if you have millions at your command ? 

Ealph. 
True! 

EODMAN. 

I became very rich. Then it became less a matter of 
money than to be ranked for my ability. 

Ealph. 
And it was then that you conceived the Amalgamated 
Steel and Iron Company? 

EODMAN. 

Yes, of all my ventures, this was by far the greatest, 
the most magnificent. To carry it to unbounded suc- 
cess was my great ambition. Why, I would rather be 
President of this great company than Chief Executive 
of the United States. 

Ealph. 

You would? 



-THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" i/i 

BODMAlSr. 

Yes. [-4. long pause.] 

Ealph. 
Then let us come to an agreement. 

EODMAN. 

\ Surprised.] What? 

Ralph. 
I will retire from the company in your favor. 

KODMAN. 

[Dumhfounded.] You offer me the presidency? 

Ealph. 
Yes, if you accept our policy. 

EODMAN. 

[Stands silent.] 

Ealph. 

\With conviction.] Think what great good a man 
of vour ability is capable of. All we ask is a square 
deal ; accept the presidency. 

EODMAX. 

But how about yourself? 

Ealph. 
I would be satisfied with a seat on the board. I did 
not seek the presidency ; it was forced upon me. 

EODMAN. 

It was ? 

Ealph. 

Yes. I do not want it. 

EODMAN. 

You amaze me! [Pause.] But if I were to accept 
you would expect the company to pay six per cent. Eh . 



1/2 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Ealph. 

Certainl}'. You know it can be done. 

EODMAN. 

But the public. They ma)' imagine there is some 
sinister motive back of it alh 

Ealppi. 
At first perhaps. The}^'!! Ije convinced when they 
receive their dividends. 

EODMAX. 

[Be fleeting.] I'll think it over. 

Ealph. 

"The Standard" goes to press at twelve. It is now 
nine. [Both men rise; Ealph puts his hand on Eod- 
man's shoulder.] Accept, Eodman. Come, let us work 
together; let us make our company not only the great- 
est, but the best on earth. Let us set it upon a founda- 
tion of integrity, without speculation, that shall be a 
model to the world. Then, when the time comes for 
us to render our account, we can say with honest}' — 
that we have not lived in vain. 

Eodmaj^". 

[Stands irresolute^ hut does not speaTc.] 

Ealph. 
Together we cannot fail. 

EoDMAisr. 

[TTalf in an aside.'] Yes, that is true. 

Ealph. 
Together we need not fear the fickle public. When 
we have kept faith with them, we need not ask their 
advice. 



''THE PARTING OF THE IV AYS" i73 

EODMAN. 

Ha, ha, ha ! The advice of the public ? No, we don't 
need that ! 

Ealph. 

"We'll pool a majority of the stock and hold control. 

EODMAN. 

[Half in an aside.] Yes, yes; the control must be 
absolute. 

Ealph. 

It can bo made so. [A pause.] Why do you hesi- 
tate ? 

EODMAN. 

[Aside.] Hesitate? [Alert.] Frankly, Morton, I'm 
quite unprepared for your generous offer. 

Ealppt. 

Don't worry about that. Accept and let us end this 
eternal feud. 

Eodmax. 
Let mo think it over. 

Ealpii. 

Certainly. [Pause.] Stratton will call tbe directors 
together, and before the clock strikes twelve we can 
have the matter officially settled. [Ealph starts toivard 
the lihrary R.] 

Eodmax. 

[Does not answer, hut ivalhs up and down.] 

[Agxes Hampton enters quietly from the lihrary R.] 

[She carries a silver tray upon luhich there are 

two cups of tea, a sugar howl, and a pair of 

sugar tongs. As she enters, Ealph meets hp'>' 

at the lihrary door and says eagerly.] 



174 'THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Ralph. 
Has Stratton gone yet, Agnes? 

Agnes. 
No, he is still in the libraiy. 

Ealph. 
Ah! Good. [Ealph enters the library E.] 

[Agnes stands a moment disconcerted, then 
loolcing left, site observes Mr. Eodman stand- 
ing alone in meditation. She advances toward 
him and offers him a cup of tea.] 

Agnes. 
Won't you have a cujd of tea, Mr. Eodman? [Eod- 
MAN preoccwpied.] Just to please me? 

Eodman. 

{Regards her hindly and then nods in assent.] 

i\.GNES. 

Then come and sit in this easy chair, and I will serve 
it to you. [She ivaRs toward the Morris chair.] 

Eodman. 

[Complies mechanically; tvhen he is seated Agnes 
biings a tabourette and places it upon his left side. She 
then offers him the tea, which he takes from the tray. 
This done, she takes up the tongs and drops a lump of 
sugar in his cup. She is about to drop a second lump, 
ivhen he observes her and says.] 

Oh, thank you ; one will do. 

Agnes. 
[She then places the tray upon the tabourette, and 
taking up the stool upon ivhich she was seated when 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 175 

reading to Mrs. Morton^ flaces it upon the right side 
of Mr. Eodman^ who, now reposed, sits staring into the 
open fire. This done, she says quietly.] 
May I sit by you ? 

EODMAN, 

[Somewhat awahened from his reverie.] Certainly!! 

Agnes. 
[Coyly.] AVliat are you thinking about, Mr. Eod- 
man ? 

EODMAN. 

[Eegarding her.] Would you really like to know? 

Agnes. 
Yes, indeed I would. 

EODMAN. 

Well, I will tell you. I was thinking- of my daughter 
Edith. You know you remind me of her. 

Agxes. 
I? 

EODMAN. 

[Sadly.] Yes. Ah, were she alive to-day, I should 
liave some one to comfort me in my old age — some 
one to advise me in my time of trouble. 

Agnes. 
Surely you are not alone? 

EODMAN. 

Yes — quite alone. 

Agnes. 
Your son Ecginald is left you. 

EODMAN. 

Yes, Eeginald is left me — my millions are left me, 
but what comfort do I get from either? Eeginald is a 



176 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

disappointment — and my millions {He laughs 

bitterly.] Ha, ha, ha! Well, I hoped by means of 
them to achieve my ambition. [Bitterly.'] And I 
would have succeeded single-handed and alone, had 
not Morton crossed my path. [More quietly.] Now, 
to-night — I find myself at "The parting of the ways." 
I must decide to-night. 

Agnes. 
[Surprised.] Decide? 

EODMAN. 

Whether we continue the fight, or accept his policy. 

Agnes. 
[Alarmed.] Continue to fight? What good is to be 
gained by it. [Eagerly.] No, you must not do that. 

Rodman. 
' [Regarding her affectionately.] I believe that is 
what Edith would have said. 

Agnes. 
[With conviction.] Yes, yes; I am certain of it. 
Join hands with Ealph, then I will be your friend for- 
ever. Won't 3^ou let me be your friend? 

Rodman. 

[Distractedly.] Eh ? 

Agnes. 
Won't you let mc be a daughter to yoti? 

Rodman. 

You? 

Agnes. 
■Would you not love me if I were your daughter ? 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 177 

EODMAN. 

[Eagerly.] Yes, yes. 

Agnes. 

WoTilcl you not come and ask my advice? 

EODMAN. 

Yes. 

Agnes. 
And if I were really your daughter, would you not 
let me comfort you when you were sad and lonely? 

EODMAN. 

Yes, yes. 

Agnes. 
[Imploringly.] Then, let me be a daughter to you; 
you will never regret it. i^o, never, never. 

EODMAN. 

And if I join hands with Ealph, Avill you l)e a daugh- 
ter to me? 

Agnes. 

[Joyfully.] Yes, yes. I'll be more; I'll be 3'our 
good fairy. I'll open a new world to you. 

EODMAN. 

[Tahing her hand and looking scarchingly in her 
face.] You will open a new world to me? What do 
you mean ? 

Agnes. 

You are rich — very rich? 

EODMAN. 

Yes. 

Agnes. 
Yet wliat pleasure have your millions Ijrought you ? 



178 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

EODMAN. 

[Turns his head aside ^ hut does not a^iswer.] 

Agnes. 
IS'one — nonej save the pleasure of amassing them. 

EODMAN. 

[Lools in her face, hut does not speaJc] 

Agnes. 
Let me show 3-011 the great ijossibilities that await 
3^011. 

EODMAN. 

AAvait me? 

Agnes. 
Yes, I will open a new world to 3'ou and the glory 
and honor shall be yonrs. 

EODMAN. 

The honor mine? 

Agnes. 
Yes, yonrs. Look at the miracles Ealph has accom- 
plished with my small fortune. 

EODMAN. 

Only half a million ! If I remember correctly. 

Agnes. 
That was all. 

EODMAN. 

And you let him risk every penny in that paper? 

Agnes. 
Yes; every penny in '"The Standard." 

EODMAN. 

[Almost in an aside, yet forcefully.] And with that 
paltry sum, they have smitten me hip and thigh. I 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 179 

can scarcely believe it. [Repeating to himself.] It is 
incredible. [Aloud.] Why, I have spent five times 
that sum in getting the j)apers to defend me. [To 
Agnes.] And you were quite certain the cause you 
chamjiioned was right? 

Agnes. 
[ll'///t co)iviction.] Absolutely certain. 

EODMAN. 

[Aside.] I have never seen such conviction before 
in one so young. [Faiise.] There must be something 
real in such faith. 

Agnes. 

There is, Mr. Eodman. Oh, believe me; there is 

The cause of justice and truth is as fixed as the stars. 
[A momentary pause.] 

Rodman. 
And what if I were to champion this cause of yours? 

Agnes. 
I should love and honor you till your dying day. 

Rodman. 
Love me? [He takes lier hand affectionately in his 
own.] Love. Oh, that is a word I have not heard for 
many a day. 

Agnes. 
Yet we cannot live without it. Love is the axis on 
which the world revolves. 

Rodman. 
[Aside.] I have tried to reason otherwise. Yet 
there is something here [Touching his heart] that tells 
me that all my reasoning is false. [Turning to Agnes.] 
You love Ralph Morton? 



i8o "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

xIgnes. 
Yes, with all 1113' heart. 

EODMAX. 

And you will marry him? 

Agnes. 
Yes. 

EODMAN. 

When? 

Agnes. 
When you are his friend instead of his enemy. 

EODMAN. 

Then it rests upon my decision? 

Agnes. 
[With bowed head.] Yes. [She arises.'] Listen to 
the dictates of your heart. 

Rodman. 

[Begards her Mndhj.] 

Agnes. 
Then let the hetter nature in you assert itself, and 
peace and happiness shall be yours. 

EODMAN. 

[Wearily.] Peace — and — happiness have never been 
mine, but God knows I need them now. [He rests his 
bach upon the chair. 1 

Re-enter Maeie. 

Maeie. 
Mrs. Morton wishes to speak to you, Miss Hampton. 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" i8i 

Agnes. 
I shall come directly, Marie. Will you excuse me, 
Mr. Rodman? 

EODMAN. 

[He doses liis eyes and says.] Certainly. 

[Exeunt Marie and Agnes. They enter library 
R.] 

Re-enter Epjginald Eodman. 

[He enters from L. unannounced, evidently much wor- 
ried and serious. A.fter staring blankly about for 
an instant, he observes his father seated R. He 
luaU'S over and puts liis hand lightly on his father's 
shoulder. This awakens Mr. Eodman from his 
reverie. Then Eeginald says earnestly.] 

Eeginald. 
Have you and Morton got together yet, dad? 

Eodman. 

[Sullenly.] No. 

Eeginald. 
Then you had hetter do it before it is too late — the 
game's going against you. 

Eodman. 

[Regards him in surprise.] Eh? 

Eeginald. 
There's some bad news about the Trust Company 
that served notice on you to-day. 

Eodman. 

The South- Western ? Well? 

Eeginald. 
Their President has just committed suicide. 



i82 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

EODMAN. 

[Dumbfounded.] John Watts dead? 

Reginald. 
Yes — less than an hour ago. 

Rodman. 
[Deeply affected.] My God, that's awful ! 

Reginald. 
They say he was in deej), dad — been speculating with 
the bank's funds. 

Rodman. 
I do not doubt it. [Fausc] But there's nothing 
new in that. 

Reginald. 
Oh, no. Ha, ha, ha ! That's high finance, all right. 
But when he couldn't make good, they threatened him 
with imprisonment. Then he blew his brains out. 

Rodman. 
[Deeply dejected.] My God! My God! Specula- 
tion ! ! 

[He sits silent a moment, then jumps up sud- 
denly and looks Reginald straight in the 
eyes. Reginald recoils under his fathers 
gaze.] 
Who backed you in your speculation to-day? 

Reginald. 

[Uneasily.] Van Brunt & Porter. 

Rodman. 

Who was back of them ? 

Reginald. 
How should I know ? 



"THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 183 

EODMAX. 

You don't know, eh? 

Reginald. 
Xo. 

EODMAN. 

Well, I'll tell you. It was John AVatts. 

Eegixald. 

[Incrcduloushj.] Xo? 

EODMAX. 

Yes. I tell you. I know it for a fact. Take my 
word for it, Yan Brunt & Porter will be mixed up in 
this affair. 

Eeginald. 
[Nerves himself and says coolly.] What of it? I 
don't owe them a cent. 

EODMAN". 

Xo, you won out to-day, but if you had lost, you, 
too, might have been implicated in this scandal. 

Eeginald. 

[Tries to laughs hut cannot.] 

EODMAN, 

Oh 1 You are not such a fool but that you can un- 
derstand. Oh, no. [With power and conviction.] 
Well, this gambling has got to stop. 

Eeginaid. 
Oh ! Don't lecture me, dad. I only play the game 
the way you do. 



i84 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

EODMAN. 

[Forcefully.'] No, you' do not I But there's going 
to be a change from this day forth. I'll take my oath 
on that — and if you do not give up speculation, I'll 
disown you and give my fortune to Miss Hampton or 
to charity. 

Regixald. 

[Amazed ^, Oh, dad. 

EODMAX. 

[Cold and forcefully.] Yes, I mean every word — 
every word. 

Reginald. 

[Stands dumbfounded, unahle to speal\] 

EODMAX. 

I do not propose to die disgraced and dishonored 
in my old age — your gamljling will surely lead to that. 
Besides I can read the handwriting on the wall. The 
death knell of high finance will soon l)e sounded. Mor- 
ton is right. The square deal has come to stay, and 
the men who try to stem the storm now will meet de- 
feat as John Watts has done. [Be walls np and 
doiv7i.] Oh! I begin to see more clearly. [He stops 
short, turns on Reginald, laughs bitterly, and says.] 
Ha, ha, ha ! And I have you to thank for it, Reggie 
—you. 

Reginald. 

[Amazed.] Me? 

Rodman. 

Yes, you — you scamp; you fool, you gambler. You 
have held the mirror up to me. Ha, ha, ha ! And the 
picture doesn't please me. Xo, no. Gambling niakes 
crooks of everybody. [^Yall■ing up and doicn.] I wish 
Morton would come. 



-THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 185 

Ealph. 
[Calling from the lihrarij.] Eodman! Rodman! 

RODMAX. 

That's his voice. [To Reginald.] Xow, be off. 
Wait at home until I return. 

Reginald. 
[Dazed and unresisting, allows his father to push him 
toivard the door L. He passes out L.] 

Ee-enter Ralph Moeton and Agnes Hampton. 
[They enter arm in arm from the lihrary E. Rodman 
meets them centre stage.'] 

Ralph. 
Come. Rodman; the directors are waiting for yon. 

Rodman. 
Ah ! Good. 

Ralph. 

[Overjoyed.] Then you will accept the presidency 
of the Company, and carry our policy to success ? 

Rodman. 
[With conviction.] Yes, Morton, for you and "The 
Standard" are right. [Forcefully.] I am convinced, 
and what is more I shall use the power of my wealth 
now to secure legislation that shall prevent stock gam- 
bling, and suppress by every other means the dishonest 
methods of High Finance. 

Ralph. 
[With deep emotion.] Thank you. Thank you. You 
will never regret it. [He gives him his hand.] 



i86 "THE PARTING OF THE WAYS" 

Agnes. 

[Advancing.] No, not as long- as you live. 

Ealph. 
{^Y^lo stands centre, now turns to x\gxes and satjs.'] 
And now, my brave little woman, when shall we be 
married ? 

Agnes. 
[Looks up searcMngly in his eyes.] To-morrow, if 
you wish. 

Ealph. 
[Puts liis arm around her and says.] Then to-mor- 
row it shall be. [As he still holds Agnes in a tight em- 
brace, he turns to Eodman and says.] And as the 
chimes ring forth the joyful news to all the world [He 
gives Eodman his harid again] let us not forget that 
we stand no longer at "The Parting of the Wavs." 



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